“By abolishing Article -35, India plans to change the demographic structure of IHK. According to the Kashmiris in IHK, India has been systematically trying to alter the demography with ulterior motives. “This would be a blatant violation of the UN Security Council’s resolutions on Kashmir dispute and would seriously jeopardise regional peace and security,” Shera remarked. He further said that reportedly, there had been wide-spread anxiety and fear in the IHK.

“Hindu pilgrims for Amaranth Yatara, tourists and students have been advised to leave the IHK forthwith, which suggests that PM Modi led BJP government is up to something drastic,” James Shera said.

The UK Christian community leader said political parties in the IHK had voiced their serious concern and expressed strong opposition to any legal or administrative measures aimed at changing the “special status” of the IHK. James Shera said the Indian government had failed to clarify its position behind these extraordinary measures, adding the Indian government had also not taken any measures to calm down the situation.

He further said reportedly, in addition to the ceasefire violations across the LoC, in the latest provocation, Indian army had used cluster ammunition against civilian population in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of two civilians including a four-year child and a dozen injuries which was a highly condemnable act.

James Shera said, “No excuse or pretext justifies use of cluster bomb or ammunition. It violated international law and was in contravention of the relevant convention.” The UK Christian community leader said the P-5 countries had a responsibility and vital stakes in regional peace and security. “As a P-5 member, we must act and act now before it’s too late,” James Shera said.