NEW DELHI:
Maintaining its strong stance, India has asked the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to shift the venue of CPA’s annual conference from Islamabad, saying Pakistan has “forfeit” its right to host the meet by not inviting the Jammu & Kashmir branch which was in violation of the Association’s constitution.
In a letter to CPA chairperson, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also called for immediate resolution matter and ensure invitation to the J&K Speaker, saying otherwise India will boycott the annual conference in Islamabad.
Referring to a meeting of the Speakers of all states on Friday, she said it was resolved to call upon the chairperson and CPA Executive Committee “to use her good offices to immediately resolve the matter” arising out of “unilateral” decision of Pakistan failing which CPA India region including the Union and State branches will boycott the event.
The letter said J&K Branch of CPA was in good financial standing with CPA and fulfils all conditions of its membership.
Conveying outcome of the meeting which was held last week, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the members felt Pakistan “forfeit” its right to host the 61st Conference for not inviting Jammu and Kashmir CPA branch in violation of Article 8 of the CPA constitution and that the venue of the conference be shifted to another country.
“I trust that as Chairperson of the Executive Committee, you would pursue the matter and ensure that the century old traditions of the Commonwealth are upheld,” Mahajan said in the letter written on Saturday. (AGENCIES)
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