New Delhi, March 4, 2025: India has strongly criticized the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, for his recent comments on the situation in Kashmir and Manipur, calling them “unwarranted” and “biased.” The Indian government also accused Pakistan of attempting to internationalize the Kashmir issue, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
The UN human rights chief, during a press briefing in Geneva, expressed concerns over the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. Türk urged the Indian government to ensure accountability and transparency in addressing these issues. His remarks have sparked a sharp response from New Delhi, which has consistently maintained that such matters are internal affairs and should not be subject to external interference.
India’s Strong Rebuttal
In a strongly-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The remarks made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights are deeply regrettable and reflect a lack of understanding of the ground realities in India. The government of India is fully committed to protecting the rights of all its citizens, and any suggestion to the contrary is unacceptable.”
The MEA also highlighted that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved significantly since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which granted the region special status. The government has repeatedly emphasized that the move was aimed at integrating Kashmir fully into India and ensuring its development.
Manipur Situation: A Domestic Matter
Regarding Manipur, the MEA stated that the state government, with the support of the central government, is taking all necessary steps to restore peace and harmony. “The situation in Manipur is being addressed through democratic and legal means. It is unfortunate that the UN human rights chief has chosen to comment on an internal matter without fully appreciating the efforts being made by the Indian authorities,” the statement added.
Manipur has witnessed sporadic violence due to ethnic tensions, but the central and state governments have been working to mediate between communities and ensure stability.
Pakistan’s Role Under Scrutiny
India also took the opportunity to slam Pakistan for its continued attempts to interfere in India’s internal matters, particularly Kashmir. “Pakistan’s nefarious designs to destabilize India through cross-border terrorism and propaganda have been exposed time and again. The international community must hold Pakistan accountable for its actions,” the MEA said.
India has consistently accused Pakistan of supporting terrorist activities in Kashmir, a charge that Islamabad denies. The Indian government has urged the UN and other global bodies to focus on Pakistan’s human rights record, particularly in regions like Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Global Reactions
The UN human rights chief’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions globally. While some human rights organizations have supported Türk’s call for accountability, others have criticized the UN for overstepping its mandate. Several countries have backed India’s stance, emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty.
Conclusion
India’s firm response to the UN human rights chief’s comments underscores its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and addressing internal issues through democratic means. As the situation in Kashmir and Manipur continues to evolve, the Indian government remains focused on ensuring peace, stability, and development in these regions.