New York City USA - India exercised its Right of Reply at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, delivering a sharp rebuke to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's comments on Kashmir during his address to the General Debate of the 79th UNGA session.
Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan described Sharif's statements as "hypocrisy at its worst," accusing Pakistan of employing cross-border terrorism against its neighbors and coveting Indian territory.
India's Response
Mangalanandan stated, "This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. I speak about the reference to India in the speech of the Pakistani PM. As the world knows, Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbors."
She went on to list several terrorist attacks allegedly perpetrated by Pakistan, including attacks on India's parliament, financial capital Mumbai, marketplaces, and pilgrimage routes.
The Indian diplomat also criticized Pakistan's political system, saying, "It is even more extraordinary for a country with a history of rigged elections to talk about political choices, that too, in a democracy."
Warning to Pakistan
India issued a stern warning to its neighbor, stating that cross-border terrorism against India will "inevitably invite consequences." Mangalanandan added, "The world can see for itself what Pakistan really is. We are talking about a nation that for long hosted Osama bin Laden."
Pakistan PM's Statements
In his UNGA address, PM Shehbaz Sharif had urged India to reverse the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and called for dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue. He drew parallels between Palestinians and Kashmiris, claiming both have struggled for their freedom and right to self-determination.
Sharif also alleged that Muslims are being targeted in India, describing it as an "alarming manifestation of Islamophobia" and a "Hindu supremacist agenda."
India's Stance
India maintained its position that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country. Mangalanandan concluded, "Repetition will change nothing. Our stand is clear and needs no reiteration."
This exchange at the UNGA highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly concerning the Kashmir region. As both nations continue to present their cases on the global stage, the international community watches closely for any developments in this long-standing dispute.
