India slams Pakistan at UN for raising Kashmir issue, calls it a “travesty”
- In Reports
- 01:55 PM, Sep 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
India issued a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan at the United Nations after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, calling on India to reverse the abrogation of Article 370. In response, Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, described Pakistan’s remarks as a "travesty," and criticised the country for having the “audacity” to attack the world’s largest democracy despite its global reputation for fostering terrorism.
“This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics trade, and transnational crime has had the audacity to attack the world’s largest democracy. I speak about the reference to India in the speech of the Pakistani PM,” Mangalanandan stated in a pointed Right of Reply at the UN General Assembly.
The Indian diplomat accused Pakistan of using terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that the region is an “inalienable and integral part of India.” She highlighted that Pakistan covets Indian territory and resorts to cross-border terrorism as a tool to destabilise the region. “The truth is that Pakistan covets our territory and has continuously used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Mangalanandan also referenced historical attacks on Indian soil by Pakistan-backed militants, including the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. “Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbours. It has attacked our parliament, our financial capital Mumbai, marketplaces, and pilgrimage routes. The list is long,” she said.
The Indian representative denounced Pakistan’s attempts to speak on matters of violence, calling it “hypocrisy at its worst.” She further noted that Pakistan’s history of rigged elections made its remarks about democracy particularly ironic. “For such a country to speak about violence anywhere is hypocrisy at its worst. It is even more extraordinary for a country with a history of rigged elections to talk about political choices, that too in a democracy,” Mangalanandan emphasised.
In her firm stance, Mangalanandan warned Pakistan of the inevitable consequences of its continued cross-border terrorism. “There can be no compact with terrorism. In fact, Pakistan should realise that cross-border terrorism against India will inevitably invite consequences,” she stated, asserting India’s unwavering stance on national security.
The Indian diplomat also brought up Pakistan's historical atrocities, including the 1971 Bangladesh genocide, where Pakistan was responsible for mass atrocities during the liberation war. She accused Pakistan of continuously persecuting its minorities and said, “It is ridiculous that a nation that committed genocide in 1971 and which persecuted its minorities relentlessly even now, dares speak about intolerances and phobias. The world can see for itself what Pakistan really is.”
Sharif, in his speech earlier, had urged India to reverse its 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He called for dialogue between the two nations for a “peaceful resolution” of the Kashmir issue and accused India of expanding its military capabilities against Pakistan. “Let me state in no uncertain terms, Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian aggression, therefore, to secure durable peace, India must reverse the unilateral and illegal measures it has taken since 5th August 2019,” Sharif claimed during his address.
In response to Sharif’s accusations, India reiterated its position that normal relations with Pakistan can only be established in an environment free from terrorism and hostilities. India has consistently raised concerns over Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups and has provided evidence at international forums about its role in cross-border terrorism.
As Mangalanandan concluded her statement, she left no room for doubt, asserting that India’s position remains firm and needs no further reiteration. "Our stand is clear and needs no reiteration. We know that Pakistan will seek to counter the truth with more lies. Repetition will change nothing,” she said.
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