Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 27^th Session (1-12 May 2017) on Human Rights Violations in Jammu & Kashmir: 3^rd UPR of India, delivered by Ambassador Virander Paul, Deputy Permanent Representative of India. [Geneva, 4 May 2017]

I would like to draw the attention to the fact that the present situation in the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir arose from the death of a self-acknowledged commander of terrorist organization, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. It was, and is, aggravated by sustained cross-border terrorism emanating from our neighbourhood. The high number of casualties sustained by Indian security forces is a reflection of the tremendous restraint they have displayed in difficult circumstances.

2. Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights and should be so acknowledged by any impartial and objective observer. We firmly believe that a policy of zero tolerance to terrorism is as much an international obligation as it is a commitment to our own people.

3. The institutions that oversee the adherence to Rule of Law, human rights and respect for fundamental rights of the citizens in Jammu & Kashmir include the National Human Rights Commission, the J&K High Court, the Supreme Court and numerous civil society voices that have played an active and constructive role.

4. The entire State of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and hence, any such description as “Indian Occupied or Indian Administered Kashmir” is invalid and artificial.

****