Geneva: India launched a strong diplomatic offensive against Pakistan at the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing its neighbour of fostering terrorism and attempting to divert attention from the human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Reaffirming its long-standing position on Jammu and Kashmir, India stated that the region remains an “integral and inalienable part” of the country and rejected Pakistan’s allegations against New Delhi.
Speaking during the Interactive Dialogue on the UN High Commissioner’s annual report, Anupama Singh, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan’s remarks. She described Pakistan as a “living example of a Frankenstein state,” arguing that the country has nurtured and supported extremist elements for decades and is now facing the consequences of those policies.
Singh criticized Pakistan for portraying itself as a victim of terrorism despite repeated admissions by its own leaders regarding links with terrorist groups. She said it was paradoxical for a country accused of supporting and training terrorists to seek sympathy on the international stage while continuing what she termed a “terror estate policy.”
The Indian diplomat also drew attention to the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, alleging widespread repression and denial of basic rights. Referring to recent unrest in Rawalakot and other parts of the region, Singh said that demands for essentials such as food, electricity, rights, and dignity were being met with force. She argued that the ongoing violence and civilian casualties in PoK were the result of a system sustained through occupation and coercion.
Her remarks came in the backdrop of recent clashes between protesters and security forces in PoK following the June 6 decision of the local administration to ban the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws. Reports of civilian deaths and protests have drawn attention to growing discontent in the region.
India also reiterated its position that the only unresolved issue concerning Jammu and Kashmir is Pakistan’s “illegal occupation” of territories that belong to India. Singh maintained that Pakistan’s repeated attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue would not alter the ground reality.
Addressing the Indus Waters Treaty, Singh argued that agreements cannot remain unchanged despite evolving geopolitical and environmental circumstances. She said a treaty negotiated in 1960 should not be viewed as a perpetual arrangement detached from present-day realities.
Concluding her remarks, Singh urged Pakistan to focus on addressing its internal challenges rather than raising what she described as outdated and politically motivated narratives in international forums.
