India strongly criticized the United Nations’ human rights chief for making “unfounded and baseless” comments about Kashmir and Manipur. The sharp response came after UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, raised concerns in his global update to the Human Rights Council’s 58th session in Geneva.
Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, dismissed Turk’s remarks as “misplaced concern” and “cherry-picking.” He emphasized that India remains a “healthy, vibrant, and pluralistic society,” urging a better understanding of its diverse ethos.
Bagchi also pointed out inconsistencies in Turk’s statements, particularly his reference to “Kashmir” instead of “Jammu and Kashmir.” He highlighted positive developments in the region, such as high voter turnout in provincial elections, a booming tourism sector, and rapid infrastructure growth.
Criticizing the UN update for its “oversimplifications and sweeping remarks,” Bagchi urged the human rights body to engage in self-reflection. He remarked, “A key element to addressing concerns is a long and hard look in the mirror by the Office of the High Commissioner.”
Turk, in his statement, called for increased efforts to address violence and displacement in Manipur, while also raising concerns over restrictive laws allegedly used against journalists and human rights defenders in Kashmir.
Notably, while Turk’s report covered global issues, including Ukraine, Gaza, and Afghanistan, it made no mention of Pakistan, a detail that did not go unnoticed.
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