English
London: Members of INSIGHT UK, a social movement representing Hindus and Indians, on Friday staged a protest outside the Oxford Union, condemning the society’s recent debate titled “This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir.” Protesters, including Indian students holding banners, voiced strong opposition, chanting slogans such as “It is known far and wide, Oxford Union stands on terrorists’ side,” in response to the event’s controversial choice of speakers.
‼️BREAKING‼️
Indian students protest infront
of the Oxford Union.
Cries of “It is known far and wide, Oxford Union stands on terrorists side”.#OxfordUnion pic.twitter.com/N1oeIvrHLn— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) November 14, 2024
They also chanted Hindi slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” INSIGHT UK later shared images of the protest on social media, declaring, “Jammu Kashmir WAS India, Jammu Kashmir IS India, Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India.”
‼️BREAKING‼️
Jammu Kashmir WAS India
Jammu Kashmir IS India
Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India#OxfordUnion pic.twitter.com/91bolGraqj— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) November 14, 2024
On Thursday, INSIGHT UK issued a formal letter to the Oxford Union Society, questioning its decision to host the debate titled “This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir”. The letter raised concerns about two invited speakers, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan, citing alleged connections to violent extremism and terrorism. The group also argued that including these individuals sabotaged the integrity of the debate.
The letter raised specific allegations against Thakur, the president of “World Kashmir Freedom Movement” and co-founder of “Mercy Universal” that both of his organizations have reportedly been investigated by Scotland Yard, the Charity Commission, and the FBI for suspected ties with terrorist activities. They stated that Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur has faced accusations of incitement and hate speech, with a case reportedly filed under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly disturbing public order through social media.
While in regard to Zafar Khan, the letter noted that he is the Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a group allegedly involved in violent incidents targeting the Kashmiri Hindu community. The JKLF was also involved in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in the UK.
INSIGHT UK is a social movement dedicated to advocating for issues impacting the British Hindu and Indian communities in the United Kingdom. It criticized the Oxford Union for providing a platform to individuals with alleged extremist ties.
(With ANI inputs)
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