India has criticized UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk’s remarks at the UN Human Rights Council, calling them unfounded and baseless. Permanent Representative Arindam Bagchi highlighted the need for a better understanding of India’s realities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where significant progress has been made. He urged against oversimplifications in global updates related to complex issues.
India has formally condemned remarks made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, during the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, characterized Turk’s comments as “unfounded and baseless,” highlighting a vocabulary that he deemed “loose” and the perceived tendency to “cherry-pick” specific issues.
During his address, Bagchi stressed that India, the world’s largest democracy, remains a vibrant and pluralistic society. He pointed out that the concerns raised in the UN update fail to reflect the on-ground reality in India and articulated that the citizens of India often challenge such misguided concerns. Emphasizing India’s interconnectedness and openness, he called for a more accurate understanding of its socio-cultural landscape.
Bagchi specifically critiqued the references to Jammu and Kashmir in the High Commissioner’s report, labeling it as an erroneous mention. He further noted that the region recently enjoyed significant enhancements in peace and development, marked by high voter turnout, provincial elections, burgeoning tourism, and swift developmental progress. He insisted that these advancements should have been acknowledged.
Moreover, Bagchi expressed general apprehensions regarding the generalized remarks and oversimplifications of complex situations in the UN updates. He urged for a nuanced approach to sensitive topics, asserting that, despite the problems identified, a deeper reflection on the operations of the High Commissioner’s office is necessary to improve understanding and clarity regarding India’s multifaceted social dynamics.
In summary, India’s criticism of the UN High Commissioner’s remarks centers on the assertion that the statements were misinformed and failed to accurately capture the realities of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the broader context of India’s societal dynamics. The call for a more precise and respectful dialogue underscores the importance of recognizing India’s democratic strengths and ongoing progress in various sectors. India anticipates a commitment to a more informed and balanced discussion moving forward, reflecting the true state of affairs rather than oversimplified narratives.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
