New Jammu and Kashmir alliance formed in reaction to 'Million March'

LONDON: A new alliance to promote the cause of Jammu and Kashmir was created today at a meeting in Geneva.

The Jammu Kashmir International Peoples Alliance has been formed in reaction to the recent pro-Pakistan "Million March" protest held in central London last week which had exposed the deep divisions within UK-based Kashmiri groups.

The protest itself had descended into chaos as Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto was booed off the stage.

"Among the key objectives of the JKIPA is to speak for all sections of the divided state of Jammu and Kashmir; and promote peace and tolerance, and help to create conducive environment where people of Jammu and Kashmir feel safe and can determine their future..." the alliance said in a statement.

The alliance is led by Shaukat Kashmir, who is its secretary-general.

It is comprised of about a dozen international groups such as the Kashmir National Party, Kashmiri Belgium Association and Swiss Kashmir Association.