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New Delhi: In a strong statement, British MP Bob Blackman reiterated his long-standing support for India’s stand on Jammu and Kashmir. The MP contended that the entire Union Territory should be reunified with India while vehemently criticising Pakistan’s continued control over parts of the region.
Blackman was speaking at a Hi-Tea programme at the Constitutional Club in Jaipur on Sunday. The Conservative MP underlined that his stance was rooted in the events of the early 1990s — most importantly the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits — and was not swayed by the Indian government’s 2019 move to abrogate Article 370.
He said: “I didn’t just call for the abrogation of Article 370 back when Prime Minister Modi put it in the manifesto and implemented it. I called for this back in 1992, when the Kashmiri Pandits had been forced out of Jammu and Kashmir."
The MP recounted activism during that period, and said there were efforts in the UK to highlight what he termed as a grave injustice faced by the displaced community.
Blackman pointed out: “We held a massive meeting at the time to say to people, this is wrong, this is unjust, that people were being forced out of their ancestral homes purely because of their religion and their background."
The MP said he has repeatedly denounced terrorism in the region and reaffirmed his criticism of Pakistan’s control over parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said: “Not only have I condemned the terrorism that takes place, but I also condemned the illegal occupation by Pakistan of parts of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir."
Explaining his stance on the dispute, Blackman underlined: “I’ve said from the word go, the whole of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir should be reunited under the crown of India."
The MP's comments come months after he made similar statements in the wake of a April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people died. In July 2025, Blackman denounced the incident in a statement posted on X.
He wrote: “I remain appalled by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam a few months ago, which took 26 innocent lives."
The MP added: “I’m relieved that peace has held, but the truce remains fragile. As India seeks deeper security ties with the West, I urged the Govt to stand with India against terrorism."
At that time, while speaking in the UK Parliament, Blackman said, “Similarly, we had the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s subsequent counter-terrorism action ‘Operation Sindoor’. I remain deeply appalled and saddened by the barbaric attack on the innocent tourists, which claimed the lives of 26 people."
He also hailed the pause in hostilities between India and Pakistan, and sounded caution against complacency. “That truce is still very fragile and could return to war once again."
Blackman had emphasised: “As someone who has stood with the Kashmir Pandits and their right to return to Kashmir Valley and India’s sovereign right to defend its people and territory, it is outrageous that this terrorism, sponsored by Pakistan, continues in Jammu and Kashmir."
He had also called Pakistan a “failed state" and questioned: “So who’s in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And it’s quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India."
