Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Labour MP Stella Creasy has voiced her concerns with a five-word plea: "Restraint by all concerned.". This comes in the wake of reported military air strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian government.
The situation has intensified, with Pakistan's Prime Minister declaring the recent events an "act of war". Reports indicate that India launched missile attacks on multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to Pakistani security officials, these strikes targeted locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the eastern Punjab province. One of the missiles reportedly hit a mosque in Bahawalpur, Punjab, resulting in the death of a child and injuries to a woman and a man. India, however, claims that at least nine sites were targeted, alleging these were locations "where terrorist attacks against India have been planned". Pakistan military sources have also claimed to have shot down two Indian fighter jets.
Stella Creasy expressed her apprehension via her X account, stating it was "Deeply concerning to see military air strikes in Jammu Kashmir tonight by the Indian Government". She emphasized the international community's responsibility, asserting that "the world cannot stand by as this conflict escalates and so too the risk of harm to innocent civilians in the region". Her call for restraint underscores the urgency of de-escalating the conflict to protect civilians.
The UK government has acknowledged the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan and has stated its engagement with both governments to prevent further escalation. The Foreign Secretary has reportedly spoken with both India's External Affairs Minister and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to address the situation. The UK's official stance remains that a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir must be found by India and Pakistan, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The recent events follow a period of increasing tension, including a "massacre in Kashmir". Concerns have also been raised regarding the response from the Indian government, including "unilateral action taken to revoke the Indus waters treaty, risking the lives and livelihoods of millions in Pakistan" and reports of crackdowns in Kashmir.
