§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What reports they have received of the siege of the Hazratbal Mosque in Srinagar, Kashmir, by Indian security forces, and in particular, what steps are being taken to ensure that the siege does not endanger the health, and possibly the lives, of the non-combatants 90WA imprisoned in the Mosque without food and water; and whether they will ask the Indian authorities to consider the risk that this operation may inflame communal passions throughout India, and in other neighbouring countries.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)We have been following developments at the Hazratbal Mosque closely. We welcome the restraint so far displayed by the Indian Government in their efforts to resolve the situation.