J&KKashmirIndia rejects UN rights body’s criticism of Khurram Parvez’s...

India rejects UN rights body’s criticism of Khurram Parvez’s arrest, killings in Kashmir

-

- Advertisment -

NEW DELHI — India on Thursday described the UN Human Rights Office’s criticism of the arrest of rights activist Khurram Parvez and recent killings in Kashmir as “baseless and unfounded allegations” against the country’s security forces.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had on Wednesday expressed deep concern at the arrest of Parvez under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and also said it is “increasingly alarmed by the rise in killings of civilians”, including members of religious minorities, by armed groups in Kashmir this year.

Responding to the UN agency’s criticism, External Affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the statement “makes baseless and unfounded allegations against law enforcement authorities and security forces of India.”

The criticism also “betrays a complete lack of understanding” on the part of the UN agency of security challenges faced by India from cross-border terror and its impact on the most fundamental human right of “right to life” for citizens, including in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

ALSO READ
Hurriyat Conference likely to be outlawed under UAPA

Bagchi said the UN agency’s reference to “proscribed terrorist organizations as ‘armed groups’ demonstrates a clear bias on the part of the OHCHR.

He added, “As a democratic country, with an abiding commitment to promote and protect the human rights of its citizens, India takes all necessary steps to counter cross-border terrorism.”

National security legislations such as UAPA were enacted by Parliament to protect India’s sovereignty and ensure the security of its citizens, and the arrest and subsequent detention of Parvez was “done entirely as per provisions of law”, he said.

“Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against the legitimate exercise of rights. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law. We urge the OHCHR to develop a better understanding of the negative impact of terrorism on human rights,” Bagchi said.

ALSO READ
Delhi court remands Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj to NIA custody

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Rupert Colville had said in his statement that Parvez, now in custody for more than a week, was accused of terrorism-related offences, but the UN agency was “unaware of the factual basis of the charges”. He described Parvez as a “tireless advocate for families of the disappeared” who has been targeted before for his activism.

Colville had called on Indian authorities to fully safeguard Parvez’s right to freedom of expression, association and personal liberty and to “take the precautionary step of releasing him.”

Contending that the UAPA empowers authorities to “designate individuals and organisations as terrorists based on imprecise criteria”, “contains a vague and overly broad definition of ‘terrorist act’” and “allows people to be held in lengthy pretrial detention”, Colville said the act was increasingly being used to stifle the work of human rights activists and journalists in Kashmir and other parts of India.

KNT
KNT
Kashmir News Trust (KNT) is a Kashmir based news agency which covers Kashmir extensively though it doesn't overlook happenings around the world.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

Why is Cricket X Gaining Popularity?

In this article, we will break down all the benefits of this Cricket X crash game and why it has become so popular among gamblers from India.

Five feared dead as vehicle plunges into gorge along Zoji La Pass

At least five persons are feared to have lost their lives after a vehicle they were travelling in plunged into a gorge along Zoji La Pass in Ganderbal district.

Police inspector from J-K succumbs to injuries at AIIMS New Delhi

Jammu and Police inspector who was injured in a militant attack in Srinagar has succumbed to his injuries at AIIMS New Delhi on Thursday.
- Advertisement -

Trending

UAPA charges against SKUAST students after World Cup celebration dropped

The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) charges against seven students of SKUAST in Ganderbal have been dropped.

Gunfight breaks out in Arihal Pulwama: J-K Police

An encounter has started between militants and security forces in Arihal area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.

Shab-e-Qadr to be observed on April 17: Grand Mufti Nasir-ul Islam

Jammu and Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Tuesday said that Shab-e-Qadr will be observed on April 17 while as Eid moon will be sighted on April 20.

Must read

Exploring the dynamic relationship between online media and search engine optimization

This in-depth analysis delves into the intricate interplay between online media and search engine optimization (SEO) from the vantage point of a news organization.

‘Perplexed Thoughts — Tales from Kashmir’ unveiled at GDC Women Pulwama

Experience the literary splendor of 'Perplexed Thoughts - Tales from Kashmir' at an inspiring book launch event in Pulwama. A celebration of Kashmiri voices.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you