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Police are investigating an activist once nominated for a ‘British Muslim of the Year’ award after she was filmed saying: "There's only one solution which is jihad."

Sumaira Farrukh, 38, was filmed using the controversial word at a rally outside the Council House in Birmingham last month.

Mrs Farrukh, a businesswoman and journalist, spoke at a demonstration attended by hundreds demanding action over India’s plans to strip Kashmir of self-rule.

Just 24 hours earlier, a host of top Labour MPs including deputy leader Tom Watson, Jack Dromey and Liam Byrne had given speeches at another Kashmir protest in the same spot.

In a video Ms Farrukh is seen standing on the steps of Birmingham's landmark Victoria Square, telling supporters: "There is only one slogan for today.

"It is remove curfew from Kashmir.

"Let them live their own lives - nothing more than that.

"And one thing to truth tell to the Muslim community!

"There's only one solution which is jihad.

"No protest, nothing. Just jihad."

Ms Farrukh, from Bordesley Green, has described herself in the past as a "social worker", "philanthropist" and "chief executive" of a Muslim TV channel, Noor TV.

In 2017 she was a losing finalist in the "businesswoman of the year" category at the British Muslim of the Year awards.

When quizzed about her speech Mrs Farrukh said: "The meaning of jihad is not a particular one meaning.

"If you have a problem with the Government of the UK and you want to raise your voice, the struggle is called jihad in the meaning of Islam.

"Muslims know the meaning of the word in that context.

"Do you think I’m the kind of person who would use that word to encourage people to go and fight?

"I work with communities and the British military encouraging the Asian community to join the Army – how can I encourage violence?"

Mrs Farrukh, who is a fierce campaigner for Muslim rights and regularly posts on social media, added: "I’m very clear with my words. As a human, it is our responsibility to raise our voices for the people of Kashmir.

"That is my meaning – stand up for the people who are suffering. Jihad is meaning struggle – the same meaning as if we are protesting outside 10 Downing Street."

In April last year Mrs Farrukh hailed Sajid Javid, the now Chancellor, on his appointment as the UK's first Muslim Home Secretary.

She wrote on Facebook: "Congratulations to brother Sajid Javid for the rise to the hot seat of the British Home Secretary, the most powerful position after PM.

"May Allah bless you with more courage to work for the community."

The video has been passed to West Midlands Police at the force's request.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The comments made by Sumaira Farrukh go completely against the spirit of the Faith Conference and its steering group, which promoted tolerance and respect.

"The steering group was set up to help deliver the 2017 Faith Conference and Ms Farrukh is no longer involved with the group.

"I find the views she has expressed abhorrent and I utterly condemn them.

“Kashmir remains a serious issue, and one which must be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan in the spirit of peaceful diplomacy and dialogue."

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "Like many areas of the country, we are facilitating peaceful protests in respect of current events in Kashmir.

"The West Midlands is made up of diverse communities, many of whom are concerned about these events overseas.

"A recent protest took place on August 31 relating to these issues in Kashmir and video footage of part of that protest has been shared with West Midlands Police.

"We are currently assessing the content to see whether any criminal offences have been committed.

"If anyone has any information, or further footage of the protest, please contact WMP on 101."