India condemns UN ‘cherry-picking’ over Kashmir

(MENAFN) New Delhi has strongly dismissed remarks made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk regarding Kashmir and Manipur, calling them “unfounded and baseless.” India's UN Representative, Arindam Bagchi, criticized Turk’s statements during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, accusing him of misrepresenting the situation and ignoring ground realities.

Turk expressed concern over restrictive laws and the treatment of journalists and human rights defenders in Kashmir, as well as the ongoing violence and displacement in Manipur. He urged stronger efforts for peace and human rights in the northeastern Indian state.

India rejected Turk’s characterization, particularly his reference to Jammu and Kashmir as simply “Kashmir,” arguing that the region has seen significant progress in security, voter participation, tourism, and infrastructure development. Bagchi emphasized that India, as the world’s largest democracy, remains a vibrant and pluralistic society.

The Indian delegation accused the UN of selective focus, oversimplifying complex issues, and making sweeping generalizations. Bagchi urged the High Commissioner’s office to reassess its approach and develop a more balanced understanding of India’s cultural and democratic values.

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