India’s Permanent Representative to the UN criticized UN High Commissioner Volker Turk’s remarks on Kashmir and Manipur as “unfounded and baseless.” Arindam Bagchi emphasized India’s status as a vibrant democracy and rejected the characterization of its complex issues. He called for a more informed understanding of the realities on the ground, highlighting significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
India has expressed strong criticism toward the remarks made by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, during the 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, specifically labeled the statements concerning the situations in Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur as “unfounded and baseless,” criticizing the use of ambiguous terminology and the selective representation of information.
In his address, Bagchi highlighted that India is the world’s largest democracy and remains a robust, pluralistic society. He emphasized that the concerns brought forth in the UN update do not accurately reflect the realities of life in India. He remarked, “The people of India have repeatedly proven wrong such misplaced concerns about us,” advocating for a deeper understanding of India’s diversity and social dynamics.
Bagchi took particular issue with the mention of Kashmir in the update, calling it an “erroneous” reference. He underscored the significant advancements in peace and development within Jammu and Kashmir, noting improvements such as electoral participation and a booming tourism sector. He asserted that the update reflects an incomplete understanding of the region’s progress, stating, “Clearly, the global update needs a genuine update.”
Additionally, he voiced concerns regarding the UN’s tendency to oversimplify complex issues. Bagchi stated that the “sweeping and generalized remarks” presented in the updates, along with loose labeling and selective information, undermine the nuanced understanding necessary for addressing these matters. He concluded by suggesting that a thorough self-evaluation is required from the Office of the High Commissioner to better reflect ground realities.
In summary, India’s strong rebuttal of the UN High Commissioner’s comments reflects its commitment to presenting an accurate portrayal of its societal dynamics. The criticisms addressed the mischaracterizations of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized India’s democratic values, calling for a more nuanced approach to global human rights discussions. India’s representative urged a deeper understanding of the country’s progress and complexities, suggesting an opportunity for constructive dialogue.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
