New Delhi: India has strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations and references to Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), asserting that the Union Territory “was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”

The latest:

• India responded to remarks made by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during the 62nd Session of the UNHRC.
• New Delhi accused Islamabad of spreading propaganda and attempting to divert attention from its domestic challenges.
• India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country.

Representing India at the UNHRC, First Secretary Anupama Singh said Pakistan continues to misuse international platforms while ignoring issues within its own borders.

What India said: India maintained that the only unresolved issue is Pakistan’s “illegal occupation” of Indian territory and its eventual return.

New Delhi also drew attention to the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), alleging growing unrest and protests in the region in recent weeks.

Zoom in: India alleged that residents of PoJK have faced repression, restrictions on freedoms and a crackdown on protests. It said demands for basic rights and services have been met with force instead of dialogue.

India further argued that repeated references to Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan cannot alter the reality on the ground.

The bottom line: New Delhi used the UNHRC forum to reiterate its long-standing position on Jammu and Kashmir while shifting focus to developments in Pakistan-occupied territories.