United Kingdom Parliament held a meeting on 25 January to commemorate 33 years of genocide and exodus of Kashmir Hindu community. The event took place at the Houses of Parliament, London and was hosted by Bob Blackman, Chairman All Party Parliamentary, APPG group of British Hindus.

 

 

To commemorate the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus, an Early Day Motion (EDM) was also submitted, signed by cross party MP’s, reminding them that justice was yet to be done.

 

 

Bob Blackman reiterated his support for India and the Hindu community in Kashmir, recalling that it was Pakistan’s invasion of Jammu and Kashmir that led to the former Maharaja joining India.

 

 

 

 

MP Theresa Villiers sent her message to be read at the event, "The world must be told about the grave injustices committed against Kashmiri Hindus. 33 years after so many were driven from their homes, it is time to change the narrative on Kashmir so that the voice of Hindus can finally be heard. I am committed to doing this and I am sorry not to be able to join you at your event this evening."

 

 

At the event, Woking MP Jonathan Lord said that we must never forget this genocide, just as we must never forget the Holocaust. Sarvjeet Sudan, First Secretary (Politics, Press and Information), Indian High Commission paid tribute to the spirit of the Kashmiri Hindus as he recalled his own memories after the Exodus. He went on to say that people’s sacrifices must be remembered and their stories heard.

 

 

The event was held to remind the world that Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir were persecuted and forced to flee their homes in 1989-1990 and that 33 years later targeted killings of Hindus are still taking place.