Right of Reply by India at the 37th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February-23 March 2018) in response to the Statement made by Pakistan under the Agenda Item 2, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary. [Geneva, 08 March 2018] Right of Reply by India at the 37th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February-23 March 2018) in r..

Right of Reply by India at the 37th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February-23 March 2018) in response to the Statement made by Pakistan under the Agenda Item 2, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary. [Geneva, 08 March 2018]

Right of Reply by India at the 37th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February-23 March 2018) in response to the Statement made by Pakistan under the Agenda Item 2, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary. [Geneva, 08 March 2018]

Mr. President

My delegation wishes to exercise its right of reply in response to the statement made by Pakistan.

2. We strongly object to Pakistan’s habitual misuse of the Council to make misleading references about internal matters pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This council should be mindful that the dubious concern for human rights is coming from a country, which has systematically abused and violated human rights of the people in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan has long been attempting to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the guise of concern for human rights.

3. Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights. The real problem in the State of Jammu and Kashmir is terrorism, which has constantly received sustenance from Pakistan and territories under its control. We urge the Council to call on Pakistan to end cross border infiltration; to dismantle special terrorist zones, safe havens and sanctuaries, to take verifiable actions, including on terror financing; to provide freedom to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir by ending its illegal and forcible occupation; to end harassment of minorities, to place procedural and institutional safeguards to prevent misuse of blasphemy law; to end forced conversions and marriages of minorities; including Hindu, Sikh and Christian women, to prosecute all such cases; to stop targeting political dissidents and legitimate criticism in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; to stop torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing; including that of journalists and activists by its security agencies and prosecute all perpetrators; to stop sectarian violence, systemic persecution and attacks on Muslim minorities, such as Shias, Ahmadiyas, Ismailia and Hazaras.

Thank you, Mr. President.