§ Mrs EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has had regarding the torture and execution of human right; activists in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryWe have had no reports of the torture or execution of human rights activists in Kashmir.
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§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has had of Kashmiris suffering human rights abuses at the hands of Indian troops; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryWe are concerned by reports from international human rights groups of human rights abuses committed by the Indian security forces in Kashmir. We have regularly raised these concerns with the Indian Government.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will call for(a) international investigations of human rights violations in Kashmir, (b) international humanitarian agencies to be allowed direct and independent access to the region, (c) the prosecution and punishment of those responsible for murdering and torturing Kashmiri people and (d) the right to self-determination for Kashmiris as promised by the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryWe have consistently urged the Indian Government to allow independent human rights groups access to Kashmir. We are encouraged that they have allowed a number of such groups to visit Kashmir this year. We have also urged them to ensure that security force members are subject to the rule of law. We shall continue to support efforts to bring about a peaceful settlement in Kashmir.