Face of Nation : India says Pakistan’s attempt to polarise and politicise Kashmir issue at the UN Human Rights Council has been rejected; MEA spokesperson says Pakistan needs to understand that repeating a lie does not turn it into a gospel truth.
A high level Indian delegation led by MEA Secretary East, Vijay Thakur Singh met Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and briefed her about the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir. She also conveyed India’s concerns on the threat posed by cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
Speaking at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday, Singh hit out at Pakistan’s “malicious” campaign on the Kashmir issue and condemned “state sponsored terrorism”.
In a clear reference to Pakistan, she said those who speak on the human rights of minorities in other countries are “trampling upon them at will in their own country. They cry victim when they actually are the perpetrators”.
On Monday, Bachelet had expressed “deep concern” over the impact of restrictions in Kashmir, and asked India to ease the current lockdowns to ensure people’s access to basic services.
Responding to Bachelet’s Oral Update, Singh in her UNHRC address said that the recent legislative measures taken by India in Jammu and Kashmir were within the framework of its Constitution.
“These decisions were taken by our Parliament…We wish to reiterate that this sovereign decision…is entirely internal to India. No country can accept interference in its internal affairs, certainly not India,” she said.
