MPs explain Kashmir crisis trip
NEW MPs say a recent visit to Kashmir fulfilled election campaign pledges made to constituents.
Haslingden MP Sara Britcliffe and Ramsbottom MP James Daly visited the Line of Control marking the division between land controlled by India and Pakistan.
Mr Daly said he spoke with the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, and the UN, regarding human rights.
On his Facebook page, Mr Daly wrote: “During the general election campaign I promised thousands of Bury North constituents that I would visit Kashmir and the Line of Control. This week I had the opportunity to fulfil this promise and was able to speak with ordinary Kashmiris who have been affected by the ongoing dispute in the area.
“Whilst I was at the camp I asked those in charge to provide costings for a community centre and water treatment system that will help those in need and I intend, when in receipt of this, to bring this proposal to the attention of the Department for International Development.”
Ms Britcliffe posted on her Facebook page on February 20: “During the elections I promised my constituents that, as soon as I had the chance, I would visit Kashmir to speak to officials and witness what is happening first hand. I am currently in Pakistan with the APPG for Kashmir. Yesterday we met with the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, and I spoke to him about my constituents and the concerns we have about the Human Rights abuses in Kashmir.
Separately this week former Haslingden MP Graham Jones was a guest of the Pakistan government at a conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka on regional peace and stability where he spoke to delegates on the issue of Kashmir.