Pakistan-Born Birmingham Mayor Zaker Choudhry Slammed by India Over 'Kashmir Is Ours' Remark (Video)
India strongly criticised Birmingham Mayor Zaker Choudhry for claiming Kashmir belongs to Pakistan, prompting the MEA to reaffirm that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral parts of India. 'On Kashmir, we know where India stands', MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Scroll below to watch the video.
India has strongly rebuked a remark on Kashmir made by Birmingham Mayor Zaker Choudhry, with the Ministry of External Affairs reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country.
The Controversial Remarks
Zaker Choudhry, the mayor of Britain's second-largest city, drew sharp criticism after publicly describing Kashmir as part of Pakistan during an event last month, reports ABP. Balochistan: BLA Claims 25 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Coordinated Strikes.
The Whole of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Are Parts of India, Says Randhir Jaiswal
#WATCH | Delhi: On the comments of the Mayor of Birmingham, Zaker Choudhry, regarding Kashmir, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "On Kashmir, we know where India stands. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are parts of India, which are integral to India and… pic.twitter.com/lcRG5xNzMZ
— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2026
A video clip of the address circulated widely online, showing the mayor discussing territorial claims and calling for diplomatic engagement. Zaker Choudhry had said, "Our ancestors fought for our country. Kashmir is ours, Pakistan is ours, and the army is ours. I appeal to the Pakistani government and the Kashmiri side to sit down at the negotiating table and talk. Only through dialogue can problems be resolved."
India's Official Response
Following the statement, various domestic and international observers raised concerns over the remarks made by a public official holding office in the United Kingdom. Addressing the media on Friday, September 4, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal firmly addressed New Delhi's stance on the matter. "On Kashmir, we know where India stands. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are parts of India, which are integral to India and inalienable parts of India...As far as our policy towards Pakistan is concerned, we know very well where we are in this particular," Jaiswal said.
Background on the Mayor
Zakir Chaudhry took office as the 116th Mayor of Birmingham in May 2026. Born in Pakistan, he immigrated to the United Kingdom in 1969 at approximately fourteen years of age, later establishing a career across local politics, business, and community welfare.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 08:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
