Grassroots democracy revived: India on UN Human Rights chief J&K remark

India on Tuesday said it has revived grassroot democracy and provided new momentum to social and economic development in Jammu and Kashmir despite persistent attempts by a neighbouring country to infiltrate terrorists to derail this processSpeaking during a debate at the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council Indias permanent representative Indra Mani Pandey also expressed regret over the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelets reference to the regionPandey said that India remains committed to upholding all human rights He said the human rights agenda and discourse must be pursued in a transparent and impartial manner with respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity and noninterference in internal affairs of StatesReferring to the abrogation of the Article 370 in 2019 that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir Pandey said that since the changes people in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been enjoying the same fundamental rights as people in other parts of IndiaWe have been able to revive grass root democracy and provide a new momentum to social and economic development despite the challenge posed by COVID19 pandemic and persistent attempts by one country to infiltrate terrorists to derail this process by all possible means he said in a veiled reference to PakistanOver the past one year the Governments efforts aimed at socioeconomic development and ensuring better governance have yielded unprecedented results By extending coverage of positive and affirmative federal legislations and repealing discriminatory or outdated local laws the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering socioeconomic justice to disadvantaged people in the Union Territory of Jammu amp Kashmir including women children minorities and refugees he saidWe regret that the High Commissioner in her oral update made a reference to the situation in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir he added He noted that as the largest and most vibrant democracy India has been since independence an ardent supporter of human rightsWe have encouraged OHCHR to continue engaging States in a constructive manner while emphasising the need to specifically avoid politicisation of the discourse on human rights which is not conducive to achieving our collective goal of promoting and protecting human rights he saidWe urge the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to recognise the enormity of challenges that we face due to our large and very diverse population of 13 billion and act as our partner in a cooperative and constructive spirit in our endeavour to secure for our people all their basic human rights he saidHe added that India will continue its constructive engagement with the Council and OHCHR for the promotion and protection of human rightsKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever