NEW DELHI: Oxford Union, the debating society of Oxford University, is hosting an event titled ‘This house believes in the independent state of Kashmir’ on Thursday.
The debate will focus on Kashmir’s political status, a topic that has historically caused tension between India and Pakistan. The panelists include Dr Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur, a Kashmiri Independence activist who leads the Justice Foundation and the Kashmir Freedom Movement, Professor Zafar Khan, chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) diplomatic bureau and Prem Shankar Jha, who served as media advisor to former Prime Minister V P Singh.
In a post on Instgaram, the Oxford Union said, “On Thursday, 14th November at 20.30, we will be hosting our Week 5 debate on the motion ‘this house believes in an independent state of Kashmir’. The Kashmir question, a parting gift of British colonial rule, has troubled the subcontinent since 1947 resulting in multiple wars. The continued push for Kashmiri independence has sustained a long-standing struggle, rooted in the region’s quest for self-determination and autonomy. This has led to persistent unrest, human rights concerns, and renewed demand for autonomy among the Kashmiris. While nuclear-armed neighbours vie for control and geopolitical influence, the desire for peace among the population remains strong. Could an independent Kashmir be the answer to this enduring crisis?”
“Speaking first for the proposition will be Dr Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur. Dr Thakur is a Kashmiri independence activist opposed to Indian control of the Kashmir region and leads the Justice Foundation and the Kashmir Freedom Movement,” wrote Oxford Union. “Speaking second for the proposition will be Professor Zafar Khan. Zafar Khan is the chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Diplomatic Bureau, an organization focused on advocating for the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Khan is also a retired academi.”
“Speaking for the opposition will be Prem Shankar Jha. Former media advisor to the Prime Minister of India. Held positions at the United Nations, as well as at the World Bank and the Hindustan Times – one of India’s largest daily newspapers,” added the post.
INSIGHT UK, a group representing British Hindu, condemned the decision, and wrote on X, “We have sent a formal letter to Oxford Union expressing deep concerns over their decision to host the debate.”
“The invitation of speakers with alleged links to terrorism is particularly alarming and raises serious questions about the integrity of this debate.” INSIGHT UK highlighted the history of violence and unrest in the Kashmir region, emphasising the potential for the debate to exacerbate existing tensions,” the group further wrote.
