 |
|
The Oxford Union, renowned for its controversial debates, found itself at the center of a heated controversy when it hosted a debate titled "This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir." The event sparked strong reactions from Indian students and British Hindus, who organized a protest outside the prestigious debating society, highlighting the sensitive nature of the Kashmir issue and the complexities surrounding its political status.
INSIGHT UK, a social movement representing Hindus and Indians in the UK, led the protest, condemning the Oxford Union's decision to host the debate. They argued that the chosen speakers, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan, were linked to extremist ideologies and their inclusion would undermine the debate's integrity. The protesters held banners and chanted slogans, expressing their opposition to the event and voicing their stance on Kashmir's status as an integral part of India. Slogans like "Jammu Kashmir WAS India, Jammu Kashmir IS India, Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India" echoed through the streets, highlighting the Indian perspective on the territory.
INSIGHT UK had previously sent a formal letter to the Oxford Union, outlining their concerns about the speakers. They alleged that Thakur, the president of the "World Kashmir Freedom Movement," and Zafar Khan, the chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), had ties to organizations associated with violent extremism and terrorism. The letter detailed specific allegations, including claims that Thakur's organizations were under investigation by authorities for suspected links to terrorist activities and that Khan's JKLF had been involved in violent incidents targeting the Kashmiri Hindu community. The letter further noted that the JKLF was implicated in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in the UK, underscoring the gravity of the accusations against the speakers.
The Oxford Union's decision to host this debate, despite the allegations against the chosen speakers, has raised questions about its commitment to responsible platforming. The protest by Indian students and British Hindus has highlighted the deep sensitivity surrounding the Kashmir issue and the importance of responsible discourse when tackling such complex and contentious matters. It remains to be seen how the Oxford Union will respond to the criticism and whether it will re-evaluate its selection criteria for speakers in the future.