London
A social movement representing British Hindus and Indians, INSIGHT UK, has formally raised concerns with the Oxford Union Society on Thursday, over a planned debate titled ‘This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir.’ The movement expressed alarm over the inclusion of two invited speakers Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan citing their alleged links to terrorism and violent extremism.
INSIGHT UK highlighted that Thakur, the president of the ‘World Kashmir Freedom Movement’ and co-founder of ‘Mercy Universal,’ has been accused of hate speech and incitement, with ties to organizations under investigation by Scotland Yard, the Charity Commission, and the FBI for suspected terrorist connections. The group raised concerns about his role in promoting fear and public disorder, referring to charges against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Zafar Khan, the Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was also criticized for his association with a group linked to violent activities against the Kashmiri Hindu community, including the kidnapping and killing of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in 1984. The JKLF, the letter stated, has been involved in acts of terrorism and has branches in the UK.
INSIGHT UK argued that hosting such speakers undermines the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, suggesting the debate could inadvertently endorse violence and terrorism. The group urged the Oxford Union to reconsider both the debate and the speakers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that academic platforms promote constructive dialogue rather than extremist ideologies.
