A recent debate at the Oxford Union on the topic of Kashmir has ignited widespread controversy and protests, with tensions escalating over the participation of two speakers linked to separatist groups. The debate, titled “This House believes in the Independent State of Kashmir,” featured Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan, both associated with Kashmiri separatist movements. This led to significant backlash from British Hindus and supporters of India’s territorial integrity.
Indian Student’s Fiery Protest
During the debate, Indian student Adarsh Mishra delivered a passionate speech, condemning the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) as a “terrorist organisation.” He also accused the JKLF of being responsible for the deaths of Kashmiri Pandits and Hindu government officials. Mishra went further, questioning the credibility of the Oxford Union’s leadership, accusing the president of being aligned with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
#BREAKING: Brave Indian student Aadarsh Mishra stood up inside Oxford Union debate venue and exposed the Pakistan ISI sponsored terror event which had participation of JKLF – terror group responsible for killing Indian Diplomat Ravindra Mahtre in Birmingham and Kashmiri Hindus. pic.twitter.com/JPRNdkAWSl
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) November 15, 2024
In a viral video posted on social media, Mishra was heard stating, “It [JKLF] has massacred many Kashmiri Pandits, and it has killed Hindu government officials in Birmingham… I do not trust this house… I have launched a no-confidence motion against the president because I believe many members of this house have no faith in him.”
‼️BREAKING‼️
— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) November 14, 2024
Jammu Kashmir WAS India
Jammu Kashmir IS India
Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India#OxfordUnion pic.twitter.com/91bolGraqj
Protests Outside Oxford Union
The controversy spilled over to the streets, where a group of British Hindus, led by INSIGHT UK, staged a protest outside the Oxford Union. The protesters chanted slogans such as “Oxford Union stands on terrorists’ side” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” asserting their stance on the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir. They also emphasized that “Jammu Kashmir WAS India, Jammu Kashmir IS India, Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India,” underscoring their opposition to the separatist agenda promoted during the debate.
Allegations of Terrorist Links
INSIGHT UK raised concerns over the participation of Thakur and Khan, particularly pointing to Thakur’s involvement in an organisation reportedly under investigation by authorities like Scotland Yard, the Charity Commission, and the FBI, for possible connections to terrorism. Khan’s leadership role in the JKLF, a group accused of violent acts against the Kashmiri Hindu community and implicated in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre, further fueled the protests.
The Debate’s Wider Impact
The incident highlights the continuing sensitivity surrounding the Kashmir issue and the impact of such debates on international platforms. It also raises questions about academic institutions’ responsibilities when hosting events that involve speakers with controversial or potentially harmful affiliations.
This heated exchange marks a critical moment in the ongoing global discourse on Kashmir and underscores the deep divides that persist, particularly among diaspora communities. With tensions continuing to simmer, it remains to be seen how the Oxford Union will address the fallout from this contentious debate.
