The four key points made in his statement by Chris Davies on Tuesday were :
Davies candidly replied to questions put to him by Ashis Ray for the National Herald. Excerpts from the interview:
Published: undefined
What was your reaction when they Indian officials said they were withdrawing your invitation?
I was not surprised. From the very first moment the visit sounded to me like a PR stunt intended to bolster Narendra Modi. I think the actions of the government of India in Kashmir are betraying the best principles of a great democracy, and I believe the less notice that the rest of the world pays to the situation the more pleased they will be.
What are your thoughts and reaction to whatever is happening in Kashmir?
The wording of your question highlights the problem. We are not sure about "whatever" is happening in Kashmir, but we do hear of imprisonments, media controls, severe communications restrictions, and military occupation. Whatever sympathies there may be for the actions of the government should be tempered by concern that it is also strongly influenced by sectarian bias. Muslims are likely to see Hindu nationalism as being instrumental, and this does not bode well for the future. The importance of peace between nations seems to be increasingly irrelevant these days.
Published: undefined
What are your thoughts on the recent Kashmir protests that happened in London where the High Commission of India and some Indians were attacked with eggs, tomatoes, frozen water bottles and stones?
I absolutely support the right to peaceful protests. It's an important part of a democracy and I have been to many protests over the years. Just a couple of weeks ago marched alongside a million other people in support of a 'People's Vote' to stop Brexit. Any use of missiles that can inflict harm is unlawful and wrong and any abuse, intimidation or attacks at a peaceful protest are very worrying.
Do you think such protests in the UK will help achieve anything?
Very little, not least because our citizens of Indian sub-continent ancestry are divided in their opinions, and the U.K. is the formal colonial power and can be blamed for a great deal including some of the origins of the problem that has led to this situation. The Brexit situation weakens our influence day by day, leaving us unable to play our part in shaping EU policy on the issue. We must do what we can to highlight global issues and I use my platform in the European Parliament to do this as much as I can.
Published: undefined
Why were you interested in visiting Kashmir?
I represent the North West of England, and tens of thousands of my constituents are of Kashmiri heritage and a great many have relatives in Kashmir. Communication difficulties with families is just as one of the issues that has been raised with me. It is an important that I represent everyone in the North West and there is no doubt this is an issue that affects many people here.
We are being told most of the MEPs invited were far right. Do you know who else were invited?
I do not know who else was included in the invitation, but I am conscious that views in the European Parliament are divided and that the Modi government's actions have supporters as well as critics.
What were you hoping this trip of yours would help achieve?
I would have liked it to demonstrate that fundamental freedoms have been re-established in the Kashmir Valley with no restrictions on the movement of individuals, the expression of opinions, or the right to peaceful protest. But to be honest I never believed that this would prove to be the case so in part this was a test of whether the Indian government was prepared to allow its actions to be subject to independent scrutiny.
Published: undefined
Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google News, Instagram
Join our official telegram channel (@nationalherald) and stay updated with the latest headlines
Published: undefined