LONDON: On Thursday, the UK Parliament observed Jammu & Kashmir Day, commemorating the 76th anniversary of the former princely state’s admission to India on October 26, 1947. The Jammu Kashmir Diaspora in the UK organised the event, which was hosted by Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East. Theresa Villiers MP from Chipping Barnet and Jonathan Lord MP from Woking were among the lawmakers in attendance. Maharaja Hari Singh‘s grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Ajatshatru Singh and Dr. Ritu Singh, were honoured guests for the event.After welcoming the special visitors, MP Jonathan Lord, Dr. Gautam Sen discussed the difficulties the Kashmiri Pandits confront as a result of a lack of political will to support their rehabilitation. The Dogra dynasty was instrumental in creating the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir, according to Ajatshatru Singh. Theresa Villiers highlighted the importance of Jammu Kashmir Day and the advancements made since Article 370 was revoked, while Sushil Pandit talked about the predicament of the Kashmiri Pandit community. In the House of Commons, MP Bob Blackman presented a signed copy of the Instrument of Accession, praised the Indian diaspora for their ongoing observance of this day, and asked Pakistan to put an end to state-sponsored terrorism in order to bring about long-lasting peace in the area. Ritu Singh’s optimistic assessment of social and cultural projects that prioritise women’s empowerment and regional economic development brought the programme to a close. She gave MPs a piece of Basohli art created by Paper Baag. The success of the event was largely due to the efforts of volunteers like Sonal Sher, Shafalica Bhan Kotwal, Anupama Handoo, Vinod Tikoo, Anupam Fotedar, Lalit Sharma, Pankaj Raina, and others. Political and community activists from the UK, the British Indian community, and the PoJK Diaspora attended.
