ERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA
GENEVA
34th SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Right of Reply by India in response to the statement
by Pakistan delegation under Agenda Item 3 – 10.3.2017
Mr. President,
1 Pakistan has once again tried to misuse this august platform to pursue its political objectives. Pakistan's unsolicited and unwarranted comments pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, which is an integral part of the Union of India, are factually incorrect and bear no relationship to reality.
2. Pakistan keeps referring to UN Security Council Resolutions on Jammu & Kashmir. However, it very conveniently forgets its own obligation under these resolutions to first vacate the illegal occupation of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. It has also blatantly disregarded its other commitments, be it under the 1972 Simla Agreement, the 2004 Joint Declaration foreswearing terrorism, and the understanding between our two Prime Ministers at Ufa in 2015.
3. The foremost challenge to stability in Kashmir is the scourge of terrorism, which receives sustenance from Pakistan and the territories under Pakistan's control. Pakistan’s attempt, seeking to mask its activities as though an outcome of domestic discontent, carries no credibility with the world. In the wake of growing international concern, Pakistan must shut down its terrorism factory.
4. Former Pakistani President Musharraf and on 6 March 2017 Pakistan’s former National Security Adviser Durrani have admitted that several terrorist groups were supported and trained by Pakistan to create disturbances in Kashmir. No wonder, the perpetrators of Mumbai and recent attacks have not been brought to justice by Pakistan.
5. Concrete evidence about cross-border encouragement and support for the protests in Kashmir has been handed over to Pakistan. Instead of working with a sense of purpose to address this issue, Pakistan resorts to shortsighted tactics to divert attention, as we have once again seen today.
6. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have chosen and reaffirmed their destiny repeatedly through India's well-established democratic processes. Free, fair and open elections are regularly held there at all levels.
7. Pakistan, on the other hand, has witnessed continuous degradation and weakening of its institutions. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is administered by a ‘deep state’ and has become an epicenter of terrorism. Pakistan’s human rights record in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Baluchistan is deplorable. It has had no hesitation in using air power and artillery against its own people, not once but repeatedly over the years.
8. It is high time for Pakistan to do some deep introspection. We would once again urge Pakistan to focus its energies on improving human rights situation and dismantling the terrorism infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This would go a long way in bringing peace and stability to the region and beyond.
Thank you.
