MEA hits out at OHCHR for its statement on J&K, calls it baseless, unfounded
On Thursday, The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) slammed the statement issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on specific incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it “baseless and unfounded allegations against law enforcement authorities and security forces of India.”
On Wednesday, the OHCHR issued the statement over the arrest of a Kashmiri youth “expressing its concern”.
The Ministry said that it “betrays” a complete lack of understanding of the security challenges in the region due to cross-border terrorism. The MEA also called out the “clear bias” shown by OHCHR in referring to proscribed terrorist organizations as “armed groups”.
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs, said authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights.
In response to media queries regarding the statement made by the Spokesperson of OHCHR, Bagchi said, “The statement makes baseless and unfounded allegations against law enforcement authorities and security forces of India. It also betrays a complete lack of understanding on the part of the OHCHR of the security challenges faced by India from cross-border terrorism and its impact on the most fundamental human right the ‘Right to Life’ of our citizens including in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said, “As a democratic country, with an abiding commitment to promote and protect the human rights of its citizens, India takes all necessary steps to counter cross border terrorism.”
“National security legislations, like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) were enacted by the Parliament to protect the sovereignty of India and ensure the security of its citizens,” he further added.
He clarified, “The arrest and subsequent detention of the individual referred to in the statement was done entirely as per provisions of law. “Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law.”
Bagchi said that we urge the OHCHR to develop a better understanding of the negative impact of terrorism on human rights.
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