- Saturday, March 15, 2025
The Indian envoy said frequent references by Pakistan will “neither validate their claim nor justify their practice of cross-border terrorism” in Jammu and Kashmir
By: India Weekly
INDIA has slammed Pakistan for its “unjustified” reference to Jammu and Kashmir in the UN General Assembly, with New Delhi asserting that such remarks will neither validate the country’s claim nor justify its practice of cross-border terrorism.
“As is their habit, the former foreign secretary of Pakistan today has made an unjustified reference to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, said in remarks on Friday (14) in the General Assembly at the informal meeting of the plenary to commemorate the International Day to combat Islamophobia.
Harish said frequent references by Pakistan will “neither validate their claim nor justify their practice of cross-border terrorism“.
“The fanatical mindset of this nation is well known, as also its record of bigotry. Such efforts will not change the reality that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always be an integral part of India,” he said.
Harish’s strong retort came after Pakistan’s former foreign secretary, Tehmina Janjua, made references to Jammu and Kashmir in her remarks at the informal meeting to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
The UN General Assembly had adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 member-states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
‘Fight all religious discrimination’
In his address, Harish said, “We stand united with the UN membership in condemning incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims. However, it is also imperative to recognise that religious discrimination is a broader challenge that affects followers of all faiths.”
He pointed out that India is a land of diversity and pluralism and fostering a world free from religious discrimination, hatred and violence has been a way of life for India since time immemorial.
“We strongly believe that the path to meaningful progress lies in acknowledging that religio-phobia in its various forms threatens the fabric of our diverse, global society,” he added.
Harish began his statement Friday by conveying greetings on the holy month of Ramadan as well as Holi wishes as the festival of colours was celebrated across India and around the world.
While voicing concern over the disturbing rise in violence targeting places of worship and religious communities, Harish said this can only be countered by sustained commitment and concrete action from all Member States to the principle of equal respect for all faiths.
Harish said that as the international community observes the day, it is important to “remember that the fight against Islamophobia is inseparable from the broader struggle against religious discrimination in all its forms” and urged nations to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their faith, can live with dignity, security, and respect.
The UN General Assembly had adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 member-states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. (PTI)
