United Nations, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India has rejected Pakistan’s allegations over human rights in Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations, accusing Islamabad of supporting cross-border terrorism and using allegations against New Delhi to divert attention from domestic unrest and political repression.
Exercising India’s right of reply in the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s UN Mission, said Pakistan had been sponsoring, inciting, abetting and financing cross-border terrorism in India for more than three decades.
“Instead of addressing domestic discontent, Pakistan seeks to distract by fomenting instability in India,” she said.
Mangalanandan referred to Pakistan’s 2024 election process and used the term “Form 47” to criticise the legitimacy of the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The term has been used by critics alleging manipulation of election results.
She rejected Pakistan’s human rights allegations concerning Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were being carried out by Pakistani security forces and their alleged militant proxies.
The Indian diplomat also referred to reports of civilian deaths and protests in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), saying people had faced crackdowns while demanding basic necessities, including affordable food, electricity and dignity. She cited reports of more than 90 deaths in recent months in PoK, where human rights groups have raised concerns over the government’s response to protests.
Mangalanandan also criticised restrictions on media coverage in Pakistan and raised concerns about the continued imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose health she said had reportedly deteriorated. She further alleged that Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had been prevented from participating freely in elections.
Contrasting the situation with Jammu and Kashmir, Mangalanandan said assembly elections were held in the Union Territory in 2024 with high voter turnout, followed by a peaceful transfer of power to an elected government.
She also questioned the autonomy of civilian governments in Pakistan, saying they operated under the influence of the country’s military leadership.
Reiterating India’s position on the region, Mangalanandan said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were integral and inalienable parts of India.
The remarks came during a discussion in the Third Committee, which addresses social, humanitarian and cultural issues, as India responded to allegations made by Pakistan.
FOLLOW NOW
