ANNIVERSARY OF OCCUPATION OF KASHMIR

That this House records that 27 October 2012 marks the 65th anniversary of the Indian occupation of large areas of the state of Jammu and Kashmir; notes and applauds the improvement in confidence building measures which had led, until recently, to a welcome improvement in relations between India and Pakistan; regrets, however, that recent demonstrations have led to a totally unacceptable number of deaths, particularly amongst young protesters; and believes that ultimately such demonstrations will only cease with the prospect of meaningful change, an end to repression and the right of the people of Kashmir to determine their own future.