Oxford Union JKLF Controversy: Members of INSIGHT UK, a social movement representing British Hindus and Indians, held a protest outside the Oxford Union on Friday, condemning a recent debate titled “This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir.” Protesters, including Indian students carrying banners, expressed strong opposition, chanting slogans such as “It is known far and wide, Oxford Union stands on terrorists’ side” in response to the event’s controversial speakers.
The group also chanted Hindi slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” INSIGHT UK shared images of the protest on social media, affirming, “Jammu Kashmir WAS India, Jammu Kashmir IS India, Jammu Kashmir WILL BE India.”
Ahead of the protest, INSIGHT UK sent a formal letter to the Oxford Union Society on Thursday, questioning its decision to hold the debate and raising concerns about two invited speakers, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and Zafar Khan, citing alleged connections to extremism and terrorism. INSIGHT UK argued that including these individuals undermined the debate’s integrity.
‼️BREAKING‼️
Indian students protest infront
of the Oxford Union.
Cries of “It is known far and wide, Oxford Union stands on terrorists side”.#OxfordUnion pic.twitter.com/N1oeIvrHLn— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) November 14, 2024
The letter specifically highlighted allegations against Thakur, president of the “World Kashmir Freedom Movement” and co-founder of “Mercy Universal,” noting that both organizations have reportedly been investigated by Scotland Yard, the Charity Commission, and the FBI for suspected ties to terrorism. Thakur has allegedly faced accusations of incitement and hate speech, with a case reportedly filed under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his social media activity.
Regarding Zafar Khan, the letter mentioned his role as Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a group allegedly involved in violence against the Kashmiri Hindu community. The JKLF was also implicated in the 1984 kidnapping and murder of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre in the UK.
INSIGHT UK, a social movement advocating for the British Hindu and Indian communities, criticised the Oxford Union for hosting individuals with alleged extremist affiliations.