UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman has sparked controversy with his recent remarks on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. During a High Tea event in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Blackman called for the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), into India. He emphasized his long-standing opposition to Pakistan’s illegal occupation of the region and reiterated his stance that he would continue to resist such actions. Blackman also noted that the revocation of Article 370 should have occurred long before, citing 1992 as a missed opportunity for the move, even before the Kashmiri Pandit community raised their concerns.
Blackman sharply criticized Pakistan for its occupation of Kashmir and the extension of terrorism in POK. He made it clear that he had repeatedly suggested India should reclaim full sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, including POK. Expressing frustration over Pakistan’s continued aggression, he described the spread of terrorism in the region as a severe blow to peace efforts. His comments underscore the growing concerns over Pakistan’s actions in Kashmir, especially in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In addition to his comments on the territorial dispute, Blackman addressed the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April of the previous year, condemning the violence and its repercussions on the peace process in Kashmir. He highlighted that despite recent improvements in the region’s situation, such attacks serve as reminders of the persistent terrorist threat. Blackman also warned that if terrorism increases along India’s borders, there could be further violations of ceasefire agreements, exacerbating tensions between India and Pakistan.