UK MP slams Pakistan's 'illegal occupation', demands Jammu & Kashmir's full integration with India

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): British MP Bob Blackman has advocated for the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir, calling the entire region an integral part of India. He said that he has long opposed Pakistan's occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir. During an event held in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, he also mentioned the removal of Article 370, saying that he has been in favor of ending this provision for decades.

According to ANI, Blackman said that he didn't just demand the repeal of Article 370 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi included it in his election manifesto and implemented it. He explained that he had raised the issue as far back as 1992, when the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and Kashmir was taking place. Recalling meetings held during that period, he said it was seen as a grave injustice.

Pakistan is illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir…entire Jammu and Kashmir should be merged with India, this foreign MP raised the demand : The British MP said that at that time large scale meetings were organised to make people understand that it is wrong to drive people out of their ancestral homes only on the basis of religion. He said that he has not only been criticising terrorism but has also been against Pakistan's alleged illegal occupation of a part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, Jammu and Kashmir should be reintegrated under the rule of India.

Earlier in a 2016 interview, Blackman stated that Pakistani forces had illegally occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir and should withdraw. He stated that all of Jammu and Kashmir should be recognized as an integral part of India and integrated, and that justice should be provided to those displaced from their homes. It should also be ensured that Kashmiri Pandits can safely return to their homes.

Blackman also suggested that the Indian government should develop at least two smart cities to encourage internally displaced Kashmiri Pandits to return and rebuild their lives in the valley. However, he also said that this process should be carried out with extreme caution to avoid any future tragedies or violent incidents.