London, October 5: Leaving the organisers red-faced, a group of LGBT (Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender) activists stormed into an event in the UK capital where the alleged human rights' violations in Jammu & Kashmir was being discussed. The protesters raised slogans against the now-retracted law of Article 370, which they consider to be "homophobic". The trespassers raised rainbow banners across the event hall which read "Gay for J&K" and "370 is homophobic".

The incident was reported on Saturday, at the event organised by the South Asia Solidarity Group of the SOAS University. Prominent Indian activist-writer Nitasha Kaul and India's Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) leader Kavitha Krishnan were addressing the event. Concerned About Continued Communications Blackout, Rights of Kashmiris Must be Respected: Elizabeth Warren.

Both Kaul and Krishnan have remained vocal in voicing their dissent against the abrogation of Article 370 by the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. The two activists were invited at the SOAS University event to apprise the gathering about the alleged excesses being committed against the Kashmiri people since the stripping of their semi-autonomous status.

Update by ANI:

Former Indian lawmaker Bay Jayant Panda, who is also a member of the Centre-ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), told a news channel that Article 370's removal has been a breather for marginalised groups including the LGBT community.

His remarks, however, have been contested by legal scholars. They claim that the 2013 Supreme Court order which struck down of Indian Penal Code's Section 377 -- that criminalised same-sex physical relationship -- was binding upon all high courts and lower courts including the J&K High Court.

Notably, Article 370 was repealed by the Indian government on August 5. Ever since, Kashmir has remained on the edge with a "communication blockade" being imposed in the state. Although landline services have resumed, mobile network and internet connection continue to remain clamped down in the Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2019 09:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).