Revived grassroot democracy in Jammu and Kashmir: India at Human Rights Council

NEW DELHI: India has listed achievements since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations Human rights council saying 'grass-root democracy' has been revived and social and economic development has gained new momentum in the region.

Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), India's permanent representative to UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey said, "Since the changes made in August 2019, people in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been enjoying the same fundamental rights as people in other parts of India."

"We have been able to revive grass-root democracy and provide new momentum to social and economic development, despite the challenge posed by Covid-19 pandemic and persistent attempts by one country to infiltrate terrorists to derail this process," he said.

Last year saw Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reach out to UNHRC after India revoked special status from Jammu and Kashmir, but found no traction.

At the council, India's envoy highlighted how as 'the largest and most vibrant democracy' India has been since its independence, an ardent supporter of human rights, which we have sought to promote and secure through enshrining them in our Constitution as fundamental rights.

"We have also endeavoured to create an international environment conducive to dialogue and cooperation for promoting and protecting these rights," he added.

He stated, "India remains committed to upholding all human rights. It is of the view that the human rights agenda and discourse must be pursued in a transparent and impartial manner."