India says UN human rights official ignoring cross-border terrorism issue in J&K

<p>
<strong>India has slammed the recent comments made by the Spokesperson of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, terming them as "baseless and unfounded allegations" against law enforcement authorities and security forces of India.</strong></p>
<p>
On Wednesday, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Rupert Colville had issued a statement on the arrest of an activist Khurram Parvez under counter-terrorism legislation, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).<br />
<br />
Reacting on the adverse comments made by Colville, the Ministry of External Affairs said today that it betrays "a complete lack of understanding" on the part of the OHCHR of the security challenges faced by India from cross-border terrorism and its impact on the most fundamental human right 'the Right to Life' of Indian citizens including in Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
<br />
"Referring to proscribed terrorist organisations as 'armed groups' demonstrates a clear bias on the part of OHCHR. 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," <a href="https://mea.gov.in/response-to-queries.htm?dtl/34556/Official+Spokespersons+response+to+media+queries+regarding+the+statement+made+by+the+Spokesperson+of+the+Office+of+the+High+Commissioner+for+Human+Rights+OHCHR+on+specific+incidents+in+Jammu+and+Kashmir">said</a> MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.<br />
<br />
Hitting out at the UN human rights body, the ministry stated that the National security legislations, like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) were enacted by the Parliament to protect the sovereignty of India and ensure security of its citizens.<br />
<br />
MEA made it clear that the arrest and subsequent detention of the individual referred to in the OHCHR statement was done entirely as per provisions of law.<br />
<br />
"Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against 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," said Bagchi.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/kashmir-news/nia-probing-kashmiri-human-rights-coalition-with-international-links-131043.html">NIA probing Kashmiri human rights coalition with international links</a></strong></p>