India on Tuesday said that United Nations Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet’s remarks on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir were unwarr...
India on Tuesday said that United Nations Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet’s remarks on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir were unwarranted and did not reflect the ground reality.
Bachelet, at a UN Human Rights Council session on Monday, had spoken about restrictions on gatherings and frequent “communication blackouts” in the Union Territory, the Hindustan Times reported.
The UN official had also highlighted the “worrying use” of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in India, claiming that Jammu and Kashmir had “among the highest number of cases in the country”.
Bachelet had added: “Hundreds of people remain in detention [in Jammu and Kashmir] for exercising their right to the freedom of expression, and journalists face ever-growing pressure.”
On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Reenat Sandhu said India was disappointed with Bachelet’s statement.
Sandhu also said that basic human rights are set down as fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution.
The foreign ministry official added: “Any shortcomings in upholding human rights must be addressed in a transparent and impartial manner, anchored in respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of states.”
Sandhu, in her statement, described India as a pluralistic and inclusive society. “We believe that promotion and protection of human rights are best pursued...
