India has categorically dismissed the remarks made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk regarding Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur, labeling them as “unfounded and baseless” during the 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In his address on March 3, Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, criticized the High Commissioner’s global update for its use of “loose terminology” and selective focus on certain issues. Bagchi underscored that India, as the largest democracy in the world, is characterized by a vibrant and pluralistic society. He contended that the concerns highlighted in the UN update do not accurately reflect the realities on the ground in India, stating, “The people of India have repeatedly proven such misplaced concerns wrong,” and called for a more nuanced understanding of India’s diversity and openness.He further remarked that the “unfounded comments in the update contrast jarringly with ground realities,” emphasizing that India’s civil space is dynamic and often characterized by a rich tapestry of voices, shaped by the nation’s ethos of diversity. Specifically addressing the mention of Jammu and Kashmir, he deemed it “erroneous,” noting that the reference to the region as merely “Kashmir” exemplifies a significant misunderstanding.
