India Rejects UN Human Rights Chief’s Claims on Manipur and Kashmir
India has strongly rejected the recent remarks made by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk regarding the situation in Manipur and Kashmir. Addressing the 58th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, India’s permanent representative to the UN, Arindam Bagchi, called Turk’s comments “unfounded and baseless” and emphasized that India remains a “healthy, vibrant, and pluralist society.”
India’s Firm Response to UN Human Rights Council
Arindam Bagchi, speaking on behalf of India at the UN Human Rights Council session, made it clear that India does not accept the allegations made in the global update. He highlighted India’s democratic strength and pluralistic nature, stating that concerns raised by international bodies often fail to reflect the reality on the ground.
"As India was mentioned by name, let me begin by emphasizing that the world's largest democracy continues to be a healthy, vibrant, and pluralist society. Unfounded and baseless comments in the update contrast jarringly with ground realities," he said.
Bagchi further added that India’s democracy has time and again proven wrong such misplaced concerns. He urged the global community to develop a better understanding of India’s civilizational ethos, which is rooted in diversity and openness.
Jammu and Kashmir: A Region Witnessing Progress
One of the key points of contention in Turk’s statement was his reference to Kashmir. Bagchi corrected this by stating that the official term is Jammu and Kashmir, not just Kashmir. He pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant improvements in peace, development, and civic participation.
"Nothing illustrates this divergence more than the passing reference to Jammu and Kashmir, erroneously referred to as Kashmir. Ironically, in a year that stood out for that region's improving peace and inclusive progress, be it the large turnout in provincial elections, the booming tourism, or the rapid development pace. Clearly, the global update needs a genuine update," Bagchi said.
The recent Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw a large voter turnout, reflecting the confidence of the people in the democratic process. The region has also witnessed an economic boom, particularly in tourism, with record numbers of visitors contributing to local businesses. Infrastructure development has also accelerated, further reinforcing that Jammu and Kashmir is on a path of stability and progress.
Manipur: India’s Internal Matter
Turk also referred to the situation in Manipur, calling for "stepped-up" efforts to address violence and displacement through dialogue, peacebuilding, and human rights protection. However, India maintains that the situation in Manipur is an internal matter and that its democratic institutions are capable of handling any challenges.
Manipur has faced ethnic clashes in recent months, but the Indian government has taken significant steps to restore normalcy. Security forces have been deployed to prevent violence, and the government has actively engaged with communities to foster peace. While challenges remain, India asserts that external interference is unnecessary as its democratic institutions and governance mechanisms are equipped to handle the situation.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Press Freedom
In his global update, Turk expressed concerns about "the use of restrictive laws and harassment against human rights defenders and independent journalists resulting in arbitrary detention and a diminished civic space, including in Kashmir."
India has rejected these allegations, stating that its democracy is robust and that its institutions ensure freedom of speech and press. While laws exist to maintain national security and prevent the spread of misinformation, they are not designed to curb freedoms. Bagchi reiterated that India's democratic institutions have been its greatest strength, ensuring participation and inclusion at all levels of society.
"India's democracy and institutions have been its greatest strength, underpinning its diversity and development. Democracy requires constant nurturing of participation and inclusion at all levels of society," Turk had said.
However, India argues that democratic principles in the country are well protected and that international bodies should avoid making statements that do not accurately reflect the situation. India has one of the most vibrant media landscapes in the world, with thousands of news outlets, digital platforms, and independent journalists freely expressing their opinions.
India’s Position on Global Human Rights Discussions
India has consistently advocated for a fair and balanced approach to human rights discussions at international forums. It has raised concerns over selective targeting of certain nations while ignoring human rights violations in other regions.
India believes that human rights issues should be addressed with a holistic understanding of a country’s unique social, political, and economic context. It has repeatedly emphasized that democracy requires constant evolution, and India's legal framework ensures that rights are protected while maintaining national security.
The government has also pointed out that many Western nations that criticize India's policies have their own human rights challenges, including racial discrimination, police brutality, and restrictions on civil liberties. India argues that global discussions on human rights should be more objective and inclusive.
Conclusion
India has strongly dismissed the remarks made by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, reaffirming its position as the world's largest democracy with a strong commitment to pluralism, human rights, and development. The government has highlighted the progress in Jammu and Kashmir, the steps taken to address the situation in Manipur, and the strength of its democratic institutions.
While human rights are an important issue, India maintains that international organizations should present accurate assessments rather than relying on outdated narratives. The response by India's UN representative underscores the country’s firm stance on protecting its sovereignty while continuing to uphold democratic values.