Protestors in London Urge Indian Government to Allow Plebiscite in IIOJK

Members of the Kashmiri community, along with their supporters, organized a march from Downing Street to the Indian High Commission in London. They demanded that the Indian government conduct a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstration coincided with the fifth anniversary of India’s decision to revoke the region’s special status under Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution.

The protest, led by Faheem Kiyani, involved the reading of a petition addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The petition strongly condemned India’s continued “illegal occupation” of Kashmir and highlighted ongoing human rights violations in the region. Despite this, the Indian diplomatic mission refused to accept the petition in person, requesting it be sent via post instead.

Protesters fiercely criticized India’s actions in Kashmir, accusing the government of military repression, orchestrating fake encounters, and engaging in settler colonialism. They urged the Indian government to alleviate the suffering of the Kashmiri people by rescinding the orders promoting settler colonialism and abolishing draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Public Safety Act (PSA), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The protest was attended by several prominent figures, including Turkish lyricist Turgay Evren and leaders from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Yousuf Naseem and Shameem Shawl. These participants emphasized that the Kashmiri people are engaged in a legitimate struggle for liberation from what they termed as illegal Indian occupation. They called for international recognition of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

The march in London was a powerful reminder of the ongoing tension in Jammu and Kashmir. As the world watches, the protesters demanded that their voices be heard, advocating for peace, justice, and the long-awaited plebiscite to determine the region’s future.