Leeds Green Party views the situation between India and Pakistan with great concern and calls upon both countries to exercise both foresight and restraint. Violence begets violence, more pain, more misery and more anguish.
Leeds Green Party condemns both the killing of Indian tourists in Kashmir and also the missile attacks on civilian targets by India. Both attacks left innocent people dead, injured and bereaved. We call for a full and frank investigation into the terrorist attacks by an independent body, something which the Pakistani authorities have agreed to. We also condemn the extremist elements of the Hindutva government and its hateful rhetoric in escalating this conflict.
As a party that believes in self-determination, subsidiarity and a peaceful reconciliation of all conflict we call upon both India and Pakistan to settle their differences in the short term by recognising the importance and sanctity of human life and in the longer term by agreeing to a United Nations-led commission and resolution about the future of Kashmir.
Councillor Mothin Ali (Green Party, Gipton and Harehills) said “Many people across the UK went to bed last night with a fear, a fear for loved ones, and a fear for our collective loss of humanity. Two nuclear armed countries going head-to-head risks a catastrophe that none of us will be able to escape.”
Nilesh Chohan, prospective Green Party candidate for Headingley and Hyde Park, added “It’s very sad to hear the conflict that has started. It is absolutely paramount both countries can confirm that they’ll de-escalate any further conflicts by agreeing a ceasefire for the safely of all. Our thoughts are with everyone affected at this moment.”
And Shahab Adris, Co-Chair of Leeds Green Party, said “The situation is not helped by the fact that Imran Khan, the most popular Pakistan leader, has been unfairly incarcerated for almost two years. He had experienced a similar crisis while in office in relation to Pulwama back in 2019, which resulted in quick cessation of hostilities. There are calls to release Imran Khan immediately to at least bring back some stability in Pakistan and the government to be led by those who have the public mandate; that’s Imran Khan and his PTI party.”