BuzzBytes New Delhi, February 29, 2024In a robust diplomatic response, India took a resolute stand at the 55th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) today, countering Pakistan’s allegations concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Anupama Singh, India’s first secretary, exercised the ‘Right to Reply,’ emphasizing that a country with a “truly abysmal” human rights record has no grounds to interfere in the internal affairs of others.Highlighting the irony in Pakistan’s stance, Singh pointed out instances of persecution, particularly the destruction of 19 churches and the burning of 89 Christian houses in Jaranwala city in August 2023. She termed Pakistan’s accusations against India as “patently false” and condemned the misuse of the UNHRC platform for propagating falsehoods.”A country that has institutionalized the systemic persecution of its own minorities and has a truly abysmal human rights record, commenting on India, which is demonstrably making great strides in achieving economic progress and social justice, is not merely ironical but perverse,” said Anupama Singh.Singh also drew attention to Pakistan’s support for UNSC-sanctioned terrorists, accusing the country of sponsoring terrorism globally. She concluded by stating that India cannot pay further attention to a country soaked in the red of bloodshed from terrorism, debt-riddled national balance sheets, and the shame its people feel for their government’s failure to serve their interests.The ongoing UNHRC session, which commenced on February 26 and will continue until April 5, witnessed a heated exchange between India and Pakistan as part of their broader diplomatic discourse. This development follows India’s emphasis in August of the previous year on the need for a terror-free environment for normal ties with Pakistan.India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, had earlier noted in an interview that Pakistan’s future is contingent on its actions and choices. He suggested that it is incumbent upon Pakistan to find a way out of its economic troubles, including dwindling forex reserves, high inflation, and a sharp depreciation of its currency.The firm stance taken by India at the UNHRC reaffirms the country’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity and repudiating baseless accusations on the international stage. The diplomatic discourse between the two nations continues, shaping the narrative for their future relations.
India Firmly Counters Pakistan’s Kashmir Claims at UNHRC Session
