Diasporic mobilisation and the Kashmir issue in British politics

The Kashmiri population in Britain has developed a political presence which has had an influence on British politics and parliamentary activity. This phenomenon not only demonstrates the complexities of ‘ethnic politics’, but also the involvement with issues outside of the domestic arena of British politics. Along with other South Asian populations, the Kashmiris have become a fast growing and concentrated electorate within the older urban areas of Britain, and therefore of importance to the political parties. However, the political activity within this group has been focused primarily on the external situation of the unresolved Kashmir dispute. Kashmiris believe that the past colonial involvement confers a moral obligation upon Britain to take action in this dispute. The oppressive actions by the Indian state in Kashmir over the recent years have increased these political pressures. One significant outcome has been the formation of the All Party Kashmir Parliamentary Group, and the associated tabling of questions and laying down of Early Day Motions. Shifts can be seen in statements made on foreign policy, particularly by the Labour Party, in response to these activities on the part of the Kashmiri population. How promises are honoured will affect the future dynamics of the relationship between Kashmiri politics and parliament.