All Party Group European Parliament on Kashmir (APGK)
Brussels; 5 April 2019
We, the All Party Group European Parliament on Kashmir (APGK) are following
intensively the politics in Kashmir. We are convinced that the right for selfdetermination should no longer be refused for this Himalayas territory disputed
between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan.
We have raised our voices - and will continue to do so - for a peaceful solution. The
European Parliament has therefore adopted resolutions and reports, urging a respect
of human rights, rule of law and confidence building measures. We have as well
hosted conferences, where all parties involved in the conflict have participated.
As India is heading this month towards general elections, we see signs, which are
very disturbing - apparently to attract Hindutva voters:
1. UN resolutions and the European Parliament confirm the Kashmiri right for selfdetermination. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has raised the stakes by projecting this right to self-determination as “sponsored terrorism.”
2. On this pretext, the Indian armed forces use excessive force that lead to unlawful
killings and a high number of injuries, many caused by pellet-firing shotguns.
3. Sections of the leadership of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a joint
political forum which is a stabilising factor in this conflict, have been
arrested including Yasin Malik, chairman of the JKLF. The Jammu & Kashmir Public
Safety Act will enable a detention of up to two years without any access to a judicial
process.
4. The National investigation Agency of India (NIA) has pinpointed the APHC leaders
for alleged “terror funding” simply because they advocate the right to selfdetermination for the people of Jammu & Kashmir across the Cease Fire Line (CFL).
5. The NIA raided the residence of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (APHC), and is asking him
to present himself at the NIA office at New Delhi.
We urge the Government of India not to pour more oil in the fire - and to abstain from
any (purely electoral) accusations, harassment and detention of the moderate
opposition in Kashmir.
MEP Julie Ward (President, APGK) MEP Klaus Buchner (Vice-President, APGK)
