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UK House move to debate rights’ violation in J&K miffs Delhi
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

New Delhi, September 15
Upset over British Parliament's move to discuss alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, India today said it has taken note of the proposed debate.

“We take due note of the proposed debate in the UK House of Commons, which we believe is an initiative of back-bencher MPs and does not reflect the position of the UK Government,’’ External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said in response to a question. He said New Delhi’s views on the matter were known to the UK.

“Suffice it to say at this juncture that India is a vibrant democracy which respects rule of law and human rights.”

The spokesman said civil liberties and freedoms were enshrined in the Constitution of India as Fundamental Rights and were exercised by every citizen of the country.

Government sources refused to confirm or deny reports that New Delhi issued a demarche to the British Government stating that the proposed debate could affect bilateral ties.

New Delhi’s reaction came after the House of Commons in the UK Parliament decided to discuss the issue.

Conservative MP Steve Baker, along with four other MPs, has given a notice for the debate.

The British Government, however, appears to be playing safe, saying it had nothing to do with the debate and it was entirely the business of Parliament.

Reports suggest Baker was facing intense pressure from nearly 6,000 of his constituents who belong to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to take up the Kashmir ‘cause’ in the House.

Other MPs who have joined him are also from constituencies which have a strong presence of Pakistanis.

Baker has been quoted as saying the purpose of the debate was to force the British Government to take up the matter with New Delhi.