INSIGHT UK, a British Hindu and Indian social movement, protested outside the Oxford Union, Oxford University’s debating society, on Friday. The group strongly opposed a debate titled “This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir,” criticizing it for featuring speakers with alleged ties to terrorism.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “It is known far and wide, Oxford Union stands on terrorists’ side,” condemning the Union’s choice of speakers. INSIGHT UK also shared a social media post about the protest, stating, “Jammu Kashmir was India, Jammu Kashmir is India, Jammu Kashmir will be India.”
INSIGHT UK’s Concerns Over Speakers’ Alleged Extremist Links
In a letter to the Oxford Union Society, INSIGHT UK raised concerns over two speakers backing the debate’s motion, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan, who they claimed had connections to extremist groups. The organization highlighted that Thakur has faced allegations of incitement and hate speech, and has reportedly been linked to groups under investigation for terrorism.
According to INSIGHT UK, Thakur’s organization, the “World Kashmir Freedom Movement,” where he serves as president, and another group, “Mercy Universal,” co-founded with his father, have allegedly been investigated by the UK’s Scotland Yard, the Charity Commission, and the FBI due to possible ties to terrorist activities.
The letter stated, “Muzzammil Ayyub has often engaged in hate speech. A case has been registered against him for creating fear and alarm among the masses using social media and inciting them to commit offences likely to disturb public order.” The letter also noted that Thakur faces charges under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Allegations Against Zafar Khan and JKLF
INSIGHT UK also pointed to Zafar Khan, chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), accusing the group of past violence against the Kashmiri Hindu community. They referenced the 1984 kidnapping and killing of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in the UK, which they claimed involved JKLF members.