The decision by the Indian Government to revoke Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which allows Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir limited autonomy, can only be seen as a retrograde step.
In Peterborough, there are many residents of Kashmiri origin. Our concern is understandably with everyone who has family and friends in the region. Stability, peace and respect for human rights has to be the main focus for everyone concerned with Kashmir.
Furthermore it is worrying to hear that leaders in the region have been put under house arrest and phone and internet services are reportedly down in Kashmir valley, where public gatherings have been banned.
I hope the British Government would use its influence to seek a suspension of any curbs on human rights in the region and request urgent talks to resolve the situation.
Paul Bristow
