(Image source from: PTI)
India has issued a firm response to the comments made by UN human rights chief Volker Turk regarding Kashmir and Manipur, asserting that the nation remains a "dynamic, inclusive, and diverse society." In his address at the 58th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, Arindam Bagchi, India's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, stated, "As India was specifically mentioned, let me underscore that the world's largest democracy remains a healthy, vibrant, and pluralistic society. The unfounded remarks in the update starkly contrast with the realities on the ground."
He continued, "The citizens of India have continually disproven such misplaced concerns about our nation, and we encourage a deeper understanding of our civilizational ethos, which values diversity and openness and shapes our lively, often noisy civic space." Highlighting the successful assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Bagchi remarked, "Nothing better illustrates this divergence than the brief mention of Jammu and Kashmir, mistakenly called Kashmir. It is ironic that this comment comes in a year marked by the region’s improving peace and notable progress, evident in the high voter turnout in elections, the flourishing tourism sector, and accelerated development. It is clear that the global update is in need of a true revision."
VIDEO | 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council: Here's what India's permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi said reacting to UN human rights chief Volker Turk's remarks on Kashmir, Manipur.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 3, 2025
"As India was mentioned by name, let me begin… pic.twitter.com/xlnoJvxydb
During the session of the Human Rights Council, Turk brought up the situations in Manipur and Kashmir, advocating for increased efforts to tackle violence and displacement in Manipur through constructive dialogue, peacebuilding, and respect for human rights. Additionally, the UN rights chief expressed his worries regarding the imposition of restrictive laws and the harassment of human rights advocates and independent journalists, which has led to arbitrary detentions and a constricted civic space, particularly in Kashmir. He affirmed, "The strength of India lies in its democracy and institutions, which support its diversity and development. Democracy calls for ongoing efforts to foster participation and inclusion at every societal level."
