London: Amid a heated protest outside the Oxford Union, an Indian student boldly intervened during the controversial debate titled "This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir," denouncing the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) as a terrorist organization. Mishra condemned the group’s violent history, including its role in the murder of Kashmiri Pandits and the 1984 killing of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre on British soil.

Mishra also criticized the Oxford Union President, accusing him of being a "stooge of ISI and Pakistan" and questioning his integrity and leadership. Mishra added that a "no-confidence motion" had been launched against the president by several Union members, citing a loss of trust in his ability to lead the prestigious debating society.

The protest, led by INSIGHT UK, a social movement of British Hindus and Indians, took place outside the Oxford Union on Thursday. Protesters raised slogans such as “It is known far and wide, Oxford Union stands on terrorists' side” and chanted patriotic Hindi slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram." INSIGHT UK shared a post on social media, asserting, "Jammu Kashmir WAS India, Jammu Kashmir IS India, Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India."

INSIGHT UK’s formal protest and concerns

The protest was in response to the Oxford Union’s decision to host a debate featuring speakers with alleged links to terrorism. INSIGHT UK had sent a formal letter to the Oxford Union prior to the debate, expressing that the two invited speakers, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan, in support of the motion had been criticised for their alleged associations with groups linked to violent extremism and terrorism.

They stated that Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur had been accused of incitement and hate speech, with links to organisations under investigation for connections to terrorism.

INSIGHT UK further emphasised the background of Thakur and his organisation, "World Kashmir Freedom Movement," where he is the president and also "Mercy Universal," which he co-founded with his father. Both entities have reportedly been investigated by the UK's Scotland Yard, the Charity Commission, and the FBI for their suspected connections to terrorist activities.

"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 inclining them to commit offences likely to disturb public order. Muzammil has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," the letter stated.

"Muzammil is the president of the "World Kashmir Freedom Movement," which, along with another organisation called "Mercy Universal," was founded by his father and investigated by Scotland Yard, the Charity Commission and the FBI for ties with terrorists," the letter further read.

Meanwhile, Zafar Khan, the Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was associated with a group known for violent activities that targeted the Kashmiri Hindu community.

The JKLF had also been involved in acts such as the kidnapping and killing of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in the UK back in 1984, they said in the letter.

INSIGHT UK’s advocacy for British Hindus and Indians

INSIGHT UK is a social movement dedicated to raising awareness, advocating and campaigning for the causes that concern and impact the British Hindu and Indian communities in the United Kingdom.