British MPs call for Kashmiris' inclusion in dialogue process

British Member Parliaments (MPs) have called for inclusion of Kashmiris in Pak-India dialogue process for finding a lasting solution of the pestering issue of Kashmir in line with wishes of the Jammu and Kashmir's people. They were speaking at an "Afternoon with friends of Kashmir," which was organised by the Justice Foundation at Kashmir Centre here late on Wednesday.
They were of consensus that the complex issue could only be resolved through peaceful means and supported the current dialogue process between Pakistan and India.
MP Stephen Timms in his remarks on the occasion said that at present there was a sense of optimism, and hoped the opportunity would be used by the two countries to bring peace in Kashmir.
Timms requested the Justice Foundation to keep 'Friends of Kashmir" posted on the latest situation in Kashmir. "Friends of Kashmir" is a group, which was constituted before recent British elections by the ruling Labour party to highlight issues concerning British Kashmiris.
MP Khalid Mahmood emphasised the vital need to include Kashmiri leadership in current dialogue process between Pakistan and India because they were the main party to the Kashmir dispute.
MP Mohammad Sarwar said it was time long-standing issue of Kashmir and should be resolved through peaceful means while respecting aspirations of the J&K people.
He called for ending human rights abuses in Indian held Kashmir and appealed for unity in all shades of Kashmiri opinion, because that was required to plead their just cause to determine their future destiny.
Lord Nazir Ahmed welcomed the peace process but called for inclusion of Kashmiris in the dialogue to find its lasting solution.
MP Paul Goodman on the occasion said the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir in the House of Commons should be further reactivated.
MP Lorna Fitzsimons stressed that the group should focus on the issue of India's quest to become permanent member of the United Nation Security Council and in her opinion that could be a "real lever" to pressurise India to solve the Kashmir issue.
Kashmir Centre, London, Executive Director Professor Nazir Shawl said Great Britain as an important leader in the community of nations, especially when it would take over the presidency of European Union next month, had a special responsibility to play its role for bringing peace, stability and security in South Asia. It could play a more active role for addressing the conflict situations in different parts of the world, he added.