New Delhi has strongly rejected comments by rights chief Volker Turk

New Delhi has strongly rejected remarks made by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Monday regarding Kashmir and Manipur. India's UN Representative Arindam Bagchi has labeled remarks Turk made during an address to the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva as "unfounded and baseless."

Turk told the gathering that he was "concerned by the use of restrictive laws and harassment against human rights defenders and independent journalists resulting in arbitrary detention and a diminished civic space, indulging in Kashmir." He also called for "stepped-up efforts" to address violence and displacement in Manipur, "based on dialogue, peace-building and human rights."

The Indian delegation has accused him of "cherry-picking" and of citing situations that contrast with "ground realities."

Jammu and Kashmir, a region bordering Pakistan, has been at the center of an unresolved dispute between the two countries since they gained independence from Britain in 1947, and has been blighted bydecades of violence and terrorism. Manipur, a small state in India's northeast, bordering Myanmar, has emerged asa hotspot of ethnic violencesince may 2023. Over 200 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced as a result of clashes between rivalling communities.

India objected to Turk's mention of Jammu and Kashmir, which was incorrectly referred to as simply "Kashmir". According to Bagchi, this misrepresentation was particularly notable given the region's significant progress in terms of peace and development. He highlighted the irony of the situation, stating that it came in a year marked by improved security, high voter turnout in local elections, a surge in tourism, and rapid infrastructure development in the region.

"As India was mentioned by name, let me begin by emphasizing that the world's largest democracy continues to be a healthy, vibrant and pluralistic society. Unfounded and baseless comments in the update contrast jarringly with ground realities," Bagchi said.

The Indian diplomat called for a deeper understanding of India's culture and values, which he claimed emphasize diversity and openness and shape the country's democratic framework. Bagchi criticized the Commission's overall approach, arguing that it oversimplifies complex issues, makes sweeping generalizations, and uses vague terminology, while selectively focusing on certain situations. He suggested that the High Commissioner's office should reflect on its own approach

(RT.com)