UN: India has strongly condemned Pakistan at the United Nations, calling for an immediate end to human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The statement comes in the wake of recent violent protests in PoK, where civilians are reportedly revolting against military occupation, repression, brutality, and illegal exploitation of resources.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, highlighted the stark contrast between the democratic rights enjoyed in Jammu and Kashmir and the situation in PoK, stating that concepts of fundamental rights are "alien" to Islamabad. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India, and that the people of Jammu and Kashmir exercise their fundamental rights in accordance with India's democratic traditions and constitutional framework.
The protests in PoK, which have lasted for over ten days, were initially focused on civic issues but soon escalated into a broader movement against military excesses. Clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in at least 12 civilian deaths. In response, Pakistan has reportedly sent thousands of additional troops to the region and cut internet access.
India's statement at the UN aims to draw international attention to these recent events and Pakistan's internal challenges. Ambassador Harish specifically addressed the recent violent unrest in PoK, urging Pakistan to end the grave and ongoing human rights violations in the areas it illegally occupies. He described the population in these areas as being in "open revolt against Pakistan's military occupation, repression, brutality and illegal exploitation of resources".
India also accused Pakistan of twisting the Security Council's resolutions on Kashmir, pointing out that Pakistan has failed to heed the primary demand of the resolution that it withdraw from the occupied territories.
Furthermore, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the UN's failure to deal with terrorism, noting that Pakistan, despite its role in promoting terrorism, is a member of the Security Council.
This is not the first time India has raised the issue of human rights violations in Pakistan. In the past, India has criticized Pakistan for its treatment of minorities and for its support of cross-border terrorism. India has also called on Pakistan to confront the persecution of minorities on its own soil instead of spreading propaganda.
The strong statement at the UN underscores India's commitment to raising the issue of human rights violations in PoK on international platforms. India has also expressed concerns about the relevance, legitimacy, credibility, and efficacy of the United Nations. India's envoy concluded by stressing the need for comprehensive UN reform, cautioning against using the international body for "divisive politics and parochial purposes," calling the current structure outdated.
