10 READERS VOICE
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26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
Kashmir motion at the Labour Party conference I am very disappointed by the Kashmir motion passed by our Labour Party at the Brighton conference on 25th September 2019 and I urge our Labour party to rescind this motion immediately. This motion has hurt the sentiments of our Indian community who have always supported the Labour Party. India has been a victim of cross border terrorism that is perpetuated by terrorist groups operating from our neighbouring country. Hindu Pandits living in Kashmir were killed and forced into exile by terror organisations operating from our neighbouring country. The seeds of this conflict were sworn in the Indian Independence act of Act that was passed on 18th July 1947 in the Westminster Parliament that created an Islamic Pakistan & Secular India. The division of India on religious grounds was very strongly opposed by Mahatma Gandhi. Kashmir was legally acceded to India by Maharaja Hari Singh through a deed that was duly signed by the then legitimate ruler of Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh on 26th October 1947. Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and both countries have signed a legally binding “Shimla agreement” to resolve the issues between the two countries including Kashmir bilaterally through peaceful talks and political dialogue. Britain must encourage both the countries to resolve the issue bilaterally through peaceful means. I urge our Labour Party to rescind this motion immediately. Dr Neeraj Patil, MBBS,MRCS,FRCS,FCEM, Consultant in Accident and Emergency Medicine Former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth
Human rights of the Kashmiri people Mr Corbyn's letter sounds to me as simply explaining away the real situation by presenting their party's concern regarding human rights of Kashmiri people. Passing emergency motion on Kashmir situation has not done any good to the people of Kashmir so far. But it has certainly damaged the party's image among Indian Diaspora in UK. In fact, I was until now- since past 45 years a supporter of Labour Party, but I have seen the lack of true leadership, after Harold Wilson and Tony Blair. I do not agree with statement on para six “ There is an urgent need for India and Pakistan to work together on a bilateral basis with support of International Community” WHAT HAS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTED TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION? And more importantly your understanding of the “Bilateral Basis” is WRONG. Any XYZ country has No concern with Kashmir, without knowing the history of Kashmir. Maharaja Harisinh of Kashmir, then opted to merge Kashmir with India. Thus Kashmir has became a part of India. Any XYX -by infiltration, or by brain washing of Kashmiri people can NOT alter the Fact that it is the internal matter of India and responsibility of India to resolve the situation. One thing is sure that by passing the so called “Emergency motion” the party's image is dented as far as Indian Community is concerned in UK. And it would certainly backfire at the general election. The Party's decision should NOT be influenced by other forces. Any misunderstanding on such sensitive matters damage the unity. Such motions does not do any thing good to the community except breaking the unity and harmony of the community. Mr Corbyn, to talk of about human rights by you is hipocracy. Where was your human rights concerns, w hen 700,000 Kashmiri pundits were driven out of Kashmir? Did you or your Party raise a voice when women were attacked or raped? Mr Corbyn, you never uttered a word when many thousands people were driven out of Kashmir. Mr Corbyn, have you taken any interest over 1 million Muslims in China who are imprisoned? India does not need any preachings from you or anyone on human rights. You did not utter a word about the condition in so called Azad Kashmir (Pakistan occupied Indian territory). Mr Coryn, don't just be selfish and look at the vote bank. You are expected to be impartial. I am sorry you failed on all fundamentals. Ballubhai Patel Bradford
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British Indian Commuity The meeting of the British Indian Community at the House of Commons, was something which one has not never seen for years. Such a unity and coming together reminds me, of the days of Indian Independence and freedom fighters. I appreciate the efforts taken by all to make a pledge and move the motion forward. Together we stand, divided we fall. Dr Lakshmi Vyas President, Hindu Forum of Europe V.P & Chair of Education, HFB
10 DOWNING STREET LONDON SW1A 2AA
Diwali As the festival of lights, Diwali brings a lot of happiness and pleasurable moments for children who wait the whole year long for the coming of this great festival. While Diwali is a stressful and hectic time for grown-ups, it is an exciting time for children. They have a chance to enjoy fireworks and eat their favourite sweets. Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India
Gandhi statue [Courtesy: The Times] Mahatma Gandhi’s eccentric views were not limited to his anti-black racism (letter, Oct 18). He opposed the allocation of seats to untouchables in parliament, Western education and healthcare, and industrialisation. He hindered the Allied war effort in the Second World War. Nevertheless, on several occasions he defused tensions between opposing factions in India and saved countless lives. A Gandhi statue is deserved. RP Fernando Epsom, Surrey
Britain’s departure from the EU Finally it is happening. We are coming out of the EU at the end of this month, But at what cost? We have already forked out billions of pounds in subsidising other countries like Spain and Greece. We have been paying into the EU’s coffers since 1974. Will all that money go down the drain? What have we got in return for that? The referendum on whether to remain or come out of the EU had produced a very close outcome at 51 to 49 in favour of coming out. If we were to come out, why did we pay the vast amounts of money into the EU coffers for over 40 years? What have we got in return? As I remember it, other EU countries like France and Germany were very much against our membership and yet we got in. So why do we want to come out now? There are many disadvantages in our coming out than being a partner of the huge economic and military force. The fruit and vegetables that we get from the warmer EU countries like Spain and Italy will shoot up in price. So will be medicines like insulin for diabetics. If we were to be invaded by some maniac, would we have the support of the EU military? All in all, there will be much to lose and no gain in coming out. But then now it is too late to reverse the decision. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford
Could single use plastic be eliminated by 2025! So many countries have pledged to remove single use plastic by 2025 and petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, a few have even promised it by 2025. Scandinavian countries with well educated, nature loving population are in the forefront, especially Norway with 57% electric cars on the road compared to our miserly 1% achievement. No wonder Norway will hit the target well before the due date of 2025, enjoying the cleanest air in Europe, if not in the world! Even India, with patriotic and enlightened PM Modi at the helm, will banish single use plastic by 2025 and removing petrol, diesel vehicles from the congested roads as soon as practically possible, with Delhi having unenviable reputation as the most polluted city in the world. India has a record number of eight such cities in top twenty leagues! Our NHS has promised to scrap 100 million single use plastic straws and stirrers from April 2020, followed by plastic plates, cups and cutlery to be phased out in the next twelve to eighteen months. This is indeed a huge, environment friendly step in the right direction every other retailer should follow. Unfortunately we have the most unfriendly government as far as environment is concerned. There is always readymade excuses that forces environment protesters to take drastic actions that may not be in the best interest of the people who may miss hospital appointments which are hard to come by, zero hours casual workers missing day’s wages that put food on the table. It is time for government to introduce 20p deposit on all bottles, 20p for all plastic bags without exemption to small retail businesses and tax the alcoholic drinks, following into the footsteps of Scotland, as well as plant million trees, converting vast areas of open land into forest. As we say, if there is a will, there is certainly a way! Kumudini Valambia By email
I extend my very best wishes to all readers of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice for a happy Diwali as you come together and celebrate with your friends and family at this joyous time Diwali, the festival of lights, is not merely a date in the calendar. It is a celebration of a way of life. It also provides us with the opportunity to reflect on life, teach each other respect and to recongnise the power of good over evil. Our culture is strengthened by the many religious celebration occurring throughout the year, including Diwali. The British Asian community continues to bring colour and vibrancy to our county, and I send my best wishes to everyone as you come together to enjoy this year’s celebrations. Shubh Diwali
Boris Johnson Prime Ministerof United Kingdom
Could Holy Water cure Cancer! When someone is suffering from an incurable illness, may it be cancer, kidney or liver failure; it is human nature to go out of one’s belief, common sense and sentiment to seek cure, delay inevitable, seek comfort either in religion, black magic, herbalist or any other outlet that may give the tines hope. Even staunch, lifelong atheists suddenly found faith; go to temple, church, synagogue and other such worshiping places to seek solace from priests, gurus and faith healers, in a desperate effort to seek a miracle cure! That is human nature, survival at any cost! In Europe, Lourdes, a Roman Catholic sacred site in France, is famous for such miracle cures and to a lesser degree the Church of Black Madonna in Monserrat Mountain, a beautiful retreat, a hill station, also draws millions of worshippers to seek blessings, drink holy water and enjoy the sheer beauty of nature. Many newlyweds spend their honeymoon in the shadow of Holy Black Madonna, a wooden statue with long and chequered history that has turned black due to constant exposure to candle light. We were fortunate to visit Monserrat in late nineties, wrote an interesting piece widely published in many newspapers and magazines including AV! In Lourdes, the holy water flows from Grotto of Massabielle, many believe the water has healing power, first discovered in 1885, the location revealed by Our Lady of Lourdes, a title of Virgin Mary in Catholic faith. Over the years, the fame and faith has spread like wild fire and Lourdes has become as famous as Vatican and Bethlem for people of all faith. The holy water is bottled and sold in millions to visiting pilgrims. I have one in my fridge, brought by my neighbour who visited Lourdes while suffering from incurable cancer who passed away six months after visiting the holy site. Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email
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