Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 26: The Jammu & Kashmir Day was celebrated at the House of Commons in the UK Parliament today, marking the 76th anniversary of the former princely state’s accession to India on October 26, 1947.
Hosted by Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, the event was organized by the Jammu Kashmir Diaspora in the UK.
Attending parliamentarians included Jonathan Lord MP for Woking and Theresa Villiers MP for Chipping Barnet. Special guests Ajatshatru Singh and Dr Ritu Singh, the grandson and granddaughter-in-law of Maharaja Hari Singh, graced the occasion.
MP Jonathan Lord opened the proceedings by greeting the special guests, and Dr Gautam Sen highlighted the challenges faced by the Kashmiri Pandits due to lack of a political will to support their rehabilitation.
Ajatshatru Singh spoke about the Dogra dynasty’s role in establishing the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. While Sushil Pandit discussed the plight of the Kashmiri Pandit community Theresa Villiers emphasized the significance of Jammu Kashmir Day and the progress since the revocation of Article 370.
MP Bob Blackman brought a signed copy of the Instrument of Accession, commending the Indian Diaspora for their continuous celebration of this day in the House of Commons and urged Pakistan to halt state-sponsored terrorism for lasting peace in the region.
The event concluded with Ritu Singh’s positive outlook on social and cultural initiatives, focusing on women’s empowerment and economic development in the region. She presented MPs with Basohli art made by Paper Baag.
The event was attended by political and community activists from the UK, the British Indian community, and the PoJK Diaspora, with the efforts of volunteers like Sonal Sher, Shafalica Bhan Kotwal, Anupama Handoo, Vinod Tikoo, Anupam Fotedar, Lalit Sharma, Pankaj Raina, and others playing a crucial role in its success.
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