India slams Pak's J&K narrative

GENEVA: Revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status was a sovereign decision taken by the Indian Parliament, and the country cannot accept any interference in its internal affairs, India on Tuesday asserted at the UN Human Rights Council, while vigorously rejecting Pakistan's "malicious" campaign on the issue.

Secretary (East) in the External Affairs Ministry Vijay Thakur Singh, in a clear reference to Pakistan, said there was a need to call out those who are misusing the UNHRC for malicious political agenda under the garb of human rights.

"They cry victim when they are the perpetrators," she said, rejecting Pakistan's charges against India on the issue at the 42nd session of the UNHRC.

She said the recent legislative measures taken by India in Jammu and Kashmir were within the framework of its Constitution.

"These decisions were taken by our Parliament after a full debate that was televised and enjoyed widespread support. We wish to reiterate that this sovereign decision, like other legislation passed by Parliament, is entirely internal to India. No country can accept interference in its internal affairs, certainly not India," Singh said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan - which has been making repeated unsuccessful efforts to flag Jammu and Kashmir at various international forums - made its pitch at the meet for an investigation by the global body after making a series of allegations against India.

Pointing to the arrest of political leaders and the restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had also hinted at the consequences of such measures in a "nuclearised" Southeast Asia.

Earlier on the day, India also objected to the reference made to Jammu and Kashmir in a China-Pakistan joint statement issued after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Islamabad.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar also talked about the China-Pakistan economic corridor in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir, asserting that India is "resolutely opposed" to any actions by other countries to change the status quo in the region.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi left his country red-faced on Tuesday by referring to Jammu and Kashmir as an "Indian state" following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian Administered Kashmir". With agency inputs