India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), asserting that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”
Speaking during the high-level segment of the Council’s session in Geneva, First Secretary Anupama Singh dismissed Pakistan’s allegations as “propaganda” driven by envy. She stated that India had no desire to dignify the claims but would respond with facts.
‘Must Be Living in La-La Land’
Responding to references made by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Singh said Islamabad “must be living in ‘La-La Land’” if it fails to acknowledge the developmental progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
“If the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir last year, is considered fake, then Pakistan must be living in ‘La-La’ land,” she remarked.
She also highlighted that the region’s development budget is more than double the recent bailout package Pakistan sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Call to Vacate ‘Forcibly Occupied’ Territories
The Indian envoy stated that the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India was legal and irrevocable under the Indian Independence Act of 1947 and international law.
She added that the “only outstanding issue” is Pakistan’s illegal occupation of certain Indian territories and called upon Islamabad to vacate areas “under its forcible occupation.”
Voter Turnout and Democratic Processes Highlighted
Singh underscored the record voter turnout in recent general and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as evidence that residents have rejected terrorism and are choosing democracy and development.
Addressing criticism regarding democratic practices, she said it was difficult to accept lectures on democracy from a country where civilian governments rarely complete their full terms.
Context of the UNHRC Session
The remarks were delivered during the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, being held in Geneva from February 23 to 31. The contents of the statements made by Pakistan and the OIC during the high-level segment were not immediately available.
India’s response marks the latest diplomatic exchange between the two neighbours over the status of Jammu and Kashmir, a long-standing point of contention in bilateral relations.
