India has responded sharply to the U.N. Human Rights chief’s remarks regarding Kashmir and Manipur, labelling them as “unfounded and baseless.” Diplomat Arindam Bagchi expressed concerns over the generalisation and selective nature of the comments, asserting that India’s vibrant democracy and civil society starkly contrast with such statements. He insisted that the update’s inaccuracies do not reflect the real improvements in the region, particularly in light of recent elections and tourism growth.
Bagchi highlighted the irony of the U.N. chief’s comments amidst a year marked by progress in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the situation. He emphasised that the perception of a troubled India is a misjudgment and urged the U.N. to reassess its oversimplifications of serious issues. The envoy called for a noteworthy reflection by the Office of the High Commissioner on the true state of human rights in India.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, had urged stronger efforts to tackle violence in Manipur, advocating for dialogue and peacebuilding. He raised concerns about restrictive laws affecting human rights defenders and journalists, impacting civic freedoms notably in Kashmir. He underscored the vitality of India’s democracy and its role in fostering diversity and development, insisting that continuous effort is essential to enhance participation across society. Remarkably, Turk’s update overlooked Pakistan while addressing global conflicts, drawing further scrutiny to the session’s selective focus.
India vehemently criticised the U.N. Human Rights chief’s remarks about Kashmir and Manipur, asserting they were unfounded and misrepresentative. Ambassador Arindam Bagchi emphasised India’s vibrant democracy, highlighting recent positive developments in Kashmir. The U.N. official’s call for increased efforts to address violence in Manipur along with concerns for human rights in Kashmir drew India’s rebuke for oversimplification and cherry-picking. The discussion signals India’s commitment to a balanced portrayal of its societal complexities on international platforms.
In summary, India firmly repudiates the U.N. Human Rights chief’s allegations, affirming its commitment to democracy and civil rights. Bagchi’s statement highlights the disconnect between the U.N.’s portrayal and India’s reality, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The call for a nuanced understanding reflects India’s desire for accurate representation of its situation on the global stage. Ultimately, this dialogue underscores the necessity for balanced discourse regarding human rights in a diverse and dynamic society like India.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
