Introduction
At the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, India exercised its 'Right to Reply' to deliver a scathing rejoinder to Pakistan and Turkey for their unsolicited remarks on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Anupama Singh, India's First Secretary at the Council, left no stone unturned in dismantling Pakistan's allegations while sternly cautioning Turkey against making unwarranted comments on India's internal matters.
First Secretary Anupama Singh exercising India's 'Right to Reply' at 55th UN Human Rights Council. Source - HT
India Reaffirms Jammu and Kashmir's Integral Status
In her opening salvo, Singh firmly reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh are an "integral and inalienable part of India." She asserted that the constitutional measures undertaken by the Indian government to foster socio-economic development and good governance in these regions are purely internal matters, over which Pakistan holds no locus standi.
"Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are internal to India," Singh declared, dismissing Islamabad's attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue.
Dismantling Pakistan's Tainted Track Record
The Indian diplomat did not hold back in exposing Pakistan's abysmal human rights record and its role as a facilitator of global terrorism. She highlighted three 'reds' that have stained Pakistan's reputation beyond redemption.
"We cannot pay any further attention to a country that speaks while being soaked in red - the red of the bloodshed from the terrorism it sponsors around the world; the red of its debt-riddled national balance sheets; and the red of the shame of its own people feel for their government having failed to serve their actual interests," Singh pronounced.
Systematic Persecution of Minorities Called Out
Singh was unsparing in her condemnation of Pakistan's institutionalized persecution of its own minority communities. She cited the harrowing incident in August 2023 when 19 churches were razed, and 89 Christian homes were torched in the city of Jaranwala.
"A country that has institutionalized the systematic 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," she asserted.
Hosting and Glorifying UN-Sanctioned Terrorists
Singh did not hold back from highlighting Pakistan's disturbing practice of harboring and even lionizing terrorists sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). She drew a stark contrast between Pakistan's actions and India's pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials, which serve as global exemplars.
"A country that hosts and even celebrates UNSC-sanctioned terrorists, commenting on India, whose pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials are exemplars for the world, is a contrast for everyone to see," she stated.
Stern Warning to Turkey on Interfering in Internal Matters
While responding to Turkey's support for Pakistan's comments on Jammu and Kashmir, Singh issued a stern warning, urging Ankara to refrain from making "unsolicited comments" on India's internal affairs.
"We regret the comment made by Turkey on the matter that is an internal affair of India, and hope that it would refrain from making unsolicited comments on our internal matters in the future," she said.
India's Principled Stand on Terrorism and Hostilities
Singh's remarks were undergirded by India's principled stance that an environment free from terrorism and hostilities is a prerequisite for establishing normal ties with Pakistan. This position was reiterated by India in August of the previous year, emphasizing the country's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan's Faltering Financial Health Highlighted
In her comprehensive rebuttal, Singh did not overlook Pakistan's dire economic predicament, which has been exacerbated by its support for terrorism and misguided policies. She highlighted Pakistan's struggles with currency depreciation, soaring inflation, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, underscoring the nation's misplaced priorities and failure to serve the interests of its people.
Contrasting India's Pluralistic Ethos and Development Strides
Throughout her remarks, Singh drew a striking contrast between India's inclusive, pluralistic ethos, and its remarkable strides in achieving economic progress and social justice. She emphasized that India's democratic credentials and commitment to uplifting its citizens across all strata of society serve as a shining example for the world.
"India's pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials are exemplars for the world," she asserted, highlighting the nation's unwavering dedication to fostering an equitable and prosperous society.
Concluding her forceful response, Singh reiterated India's firm stance on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing Pakistan's attempts to malign India's global standing and undermine its sovereignty. The Indian diplomat's resolute defense of her country's principles and values resonated throughout the Council chambers, leaving no doubt about India's unwavering commitment to upholding human rights, combating terrorism, and safeguarding its territorial integrity.
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