News Tamil Nadu

Insight UK Challenges Oxford Union For Inviting Speaker With Terror Links To Debate On Kashmir

November 14, 2024
The Commune

In a formal statement, Insight UK has expressed grave concerns regarding an upcoming debate at the Oxford Union titled, “This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir,” scheduled for 14 November 2024. The social movement representing British Hindus and Indians voiced strong objections, particularly in light of the Union’s choice of speakers—Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan—who, they claim, have alleged links to organizations associated with terrorism. Insight UK warned that hosting such speakers risks amplifying extremist ideologies on a prominent academic platform.

Background and Context

For decades, the Kashmir region has faced intense turmoil and violence, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Kashmiri Hindus. Recognized internationally as an integral part of India, Kashmir’s status is upheld by Indian law and its Constitution. The ongoing conflict has seen violent extremism masquerading as separatist movements, with both Indian security forces and civilians bearing the brunt of these actions. Insight UK argues that any forum questioning Kashmir’s political status challenges India’s sovereignty and disregards the suffering caused by decades of terrorism.

The organization’s letter to the Oxford Union highlighted this perspective, stating that the debate undermines India’s constitutional integrity and territorial rights by casting doubt on the Kashmir region’s status as part of India. They underscored that the issue is an internal one for India, and debating its independence in an international academic institution could be seen as interference.

Allegations Against Invited Speakers

Insight UK’s objections go beyond the topic of the debate. The organization raised serious concerns about the speakers, particularly pointing to their alleged involvement with organizations implicated in terrorism.

Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur is a UK-based Pakistani-origin activist known for promoting Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir. He leads two organizations, “The Justice Foundation” and the “World Kashmir Freedom Movement,” both originally founded by his father, Ayyub Thakur, a former ISI-linked agent who financed terror activities in the region. Muzzammil has continued his father’s legacy by lobbying internationally, promoting anti-India rhetoric, and endorsing separatist and militant ideologies. Recently, he faced backlash and was allegedly assaulted by three men at an anti-India event in London. His social media activities frequently celebrate militants as “martyrs.”

Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, president of the “World Kashmir Freedom Movement,” has been investigated for his connections with groups suspected of extremist activities. Insight UK states that Thakur has promoted divisive and hateful rhetoric on social media, allegedly inciting violence and disturbing public order. Reports also link Thakur’s organization, co-founded by his father, to investigations by the FBI, the UK’s Charity Commission, and Scotland Yard for alleged connections with terrorist organizations.

Thakur’s social media activity, Insight UK argues, includes statements that endorse terrorist acts and downplay violence, citing examples where he reportedly condoned a terrorist’s escape and normalized slurs against other faiths. His father’s organization, Mercy Universal, was reportedly investigated for its financial connections to Pakistan’s ISI and alleged support of the terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen.

Some other problematic issues with Thakur include:

  • In May 2022, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur was booked under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by Jammu and Kashmir police for anti-national activities and threatening an Indian advocate, Syed Zeeshan. The charges include harassment, intimidation, and alleged cybercrimes.
  • He reportedly threatened Kashmiri advocate Syed Zeeshan and a woman named Tasleema, who had exposed alleged Pakistani propaganda at the United Nations. His social media accounts have been restricted in India due to his activities.
  • Thakur has collaborated with the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) and Turkish media outlet TRT World, promoting Pakistan’s narratives on Jammu and Kashmir internationally.
  • He has spoken against India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging exploitation and “occupation.” Thakur made such claims at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and endorsed an anti-India magazine, “Kashmir Inside.”
  • In October 2023, he participated in an event at the British Parliament, advocating for British intervention in Indian affairs, particularly regarding Kashmir.
  • Thakur has emphasized public advocacy and “narrative-building” against India to influence youth and international opinion, which allegedly aligns with Pakistan’s agenda on Kashmir.
  • In August 2024, Thakur reportedly faced a backlash during an anti-India event in London, indicating public opposition to his activities.

Zafar Khan, the other speaker invited to support the proposition, serves as chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Diplomatic Bureau. The JKLF, according to Insight UK, has a history of violence targeting the Kashmiri Hindu community, including the 1990 exodus where Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee their homes under threat of violence and death. The group was also linked to the 1984 abduction and murder of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in Birmingham, a brutal crime that intensified the group’s association with violent separatism.

JKLF members, Insight UK noted, systematically threatened Hindu and Sikh minorities, marking their homes for forced conversions or execution. Insight UK’s statement cites documented accounts of JKLF-linked atrocities in Kashmir, including the confessions of Farooq Ahmed Dar (alias Bitta Karate), who admitted on video to killing over 20 Kashmiri Hindus. The organization’s letter pointed to these violent episodes as evidence of JKLF’s extremist intentions under the guise of a “freedom” movement.

Insight UK’s Position on Academic Integrity and Extremism

As an organization representing the British Hindu and Indian community, Insight UK emphasized its commitment to raising awareness of issues affecting the diaspora. In its letter, the group expressed its belief that academic institutions like the Oxford Union should provide platforms for constructive dialogue rather than host individuals connected with divisive ideologies. Insight UK called on Oxford Union to reconsider its decision, cautioning that the debate risks validating extremist narratives and compromising the Union’s commitment to impartial discourse.

Insight UK also pointed out that, while freedom of speech is a cornerstone of academic institutions, responsibility is equally important. They argue that providing a stage to those associated with violence and separatism could send a dangerous message, especially in an educational setting that should stand for understanding and peace.

Oxford Union has yet to respond to Insight UK’s letter or address the specific allegations concerning the invited speakers. However, the situation highlights the fine line between fostering open debate and inadvertently promoting narratives tied to extremist actions.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.