India on Friday launched a sharp attack on Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing the neighbouring country of “grave” human rights abuses in the areas of Kashmir it illegally occupies.
In an apparent reference to the recent revolt in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, New Delhi said the Pakistani forces and their proxies have killed several innocent civilians who are agitating for their basic rights and freedom.
"We call upon Pakistan to stop the grave and ongoing human rights violations in the areas illegally occupied by it, where the population is an open revolt against Pakistan's military occupation, repression, brutality and illegal exploitation of resources”, Bhavika Managalanandan, a First Secretary at India’s UN Mission, said.
Managalanandan accused Pakistani diplomats of flinging vicious allegations against India and its people at every opportunity to speak at the UN, regardless of the context of discussion, and asserted that repetitive allegations and lies change neither reality nor the truth.
“Pakistan's double speak and hypocrisy does not deserve the time and attention of this august forum,” she said.
“We reject attempts by Pakistan to denigrate the people of India and the Democratic choices regularly exercised, including by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The social and economic progress experienced by them is evident for all to see,” she added.
Managalanandan further asserted that union territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India.
She reiterated India’s commitment to human rights and said it stems from our freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, which emphasised non-violence and equality.
