One Minute Speech: Kashmir

Speech by Liz Lynne on Wed 12th Oct 2005

Mr President, following on from the recent earthquake, I also wish to send my condolences. However, can the President of Parliament use his good offices to persuade the Governments of both India and Pakistan to allow aid to cross unheeded over the line of control? I am delighted to hear that, so far, five families from Pakistan Kashmir and one from Indian-controlled Kashmir have been allowed to go home. That is a step in the right direction. However, I also understand that many individuals and organisations from the Indian side are being told that, because of the dispute that has been going on for over 50 years between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, they are not allowed to cross the border to give help to the victims. I hope that old enmities will continue to be put behind them and for them to concentrate only on the provision of humanitarian aid.