India Responds to Pakistan PM’s Kashmir Remarks at UNGA: ‘Hypocrisy at Its Worst’
India firmly rebutted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks about Kashmir during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), labeling his statements as “hypocrisy at its worst.”
In a strong Right of Reply issued on Friday, Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan addressed the issue raised by Sharif during the General Debate of the 79th session of the UNGA, highlighting the contradiction in Pakistan’s stance.
Mangalanandan emphasized that a military-led nation, known for its global reputation for terrorism, narcotics, and transnational crime, had the audacity to criticize “the world’s largest democracy.” She condemned Sharif’s remarks, noting that Pakistan has long utilized cross-border terrorism as a tool against its neighbors, including attacks on India’s parliament and major cities.
“This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning,” she stated. “For a country with a history of rigged elections to speak about political choices, is nothing short of hypocrisy.”
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The diplomat underscored that Pakistan’s aggressive actions stem from its desire for Indian territory and that it has consistently employed terrorism to interfere with democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir, which India considers an integral part of its territory.
India warned that Pakistan’s continued cross-border terrorism would lead to inevitable consequences, stating, “It is absurd for a nation that committed genocide in 1971 and continues to persecute its minorities to comment on intolerance.” Mangalanandan pointed out Pakistan’s long history of harboring terrorists, including Osama bin Laden, and described its policies as attracting elements detrimental to global peace.
Calling Sharif’s assertions about Kashmir “unacceptable,” she insisted that no amount of lies could alter the reality. “Repetition will change nothing. Our stand is clear and needs no reiteration,” she concluded.
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In his address, Sharif had urged India to restore Article 370 to achieve lasting peace and called for dialogue to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute according to UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He drew parallels between the struggles of Kashmiris and Palestinians and highlighted concerns over the treatment of Muslims in India, alleging a rise in Islamophobia fueled by a “Hindu supremacist agenda.”
Despite repeated attempts by Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue on international platforms, India has consistently asserted that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the nation.
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