Second Right of Reply by India under Agenda Item 2 at the 41st Session of the Human Rights Council (24 June – 12 July 2019) delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 25th June 2019
Mr. Vice President
India is compelled to exercise its second Right of Reply to Pakistan.
2. I would like to remind Pakistan that legally, constitutionally and historically, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India is full and final.
1. Pakistan is further reminded that the right to self-determination is applicable only to people struggling against foreign domination and this right cannot be utilised for authorising or encouraging any action which would destroy territorial integrity or political unity of Sovereign States. What Pakistan espouses in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir is secession in contravention to the UN charter.
2. While our robust institutional framework has ensured adherence to rule of law and respect for fundamental rights in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan unleashes its discriminatory laws for harassing minorities through blasphemy laws; allowing forced proselytization, suppression of political dissidents in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan also orchestrates enforced disappearances, Sectarian violence and Systemic Persecution against Muslim minorities such as Shias, Ahmadiyas, Ismailias and Hazaras.
3. The pluralistic vibrant democracy of India is mature enough to address any issues including those instigated from outside. Our security forces exercise maximum restraint despite grave provocations from these outside forces. Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights and the right to life is constantly violated in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir by State-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan. India has lost more than 14000 civilians and 5000 security personals which is a testimony to the grave threat that cross border terrorism poses to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
I thank You Mr. Vice President.
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