India's Strong Response to Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly
New York: India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Exercising its 'Right to Reply' on Friday, India responded through Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
Mangalanandan remarked, "This assembly witnessed a regrettably ludicrous event earlier today. A country globally notorious for terrorism, drug trafficking, and international crimes, a nation run by its military, dared to attack the world’s largest democracy." She emphasized that the world knows Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbors.
The Indian diplomat highlighted Pakistan-based terror groups' involvement in attacks like the 2001 assault on the Indian Parliament and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. She said, "They have attacked our Parliament, our financial capital Mumbai, markets, and places of worship. The list is long. For such a country to speak on violence anywhere is sheer hypocrisy."
Prime Minister Sharif had earlier suggested that India restore Article 370 and initiate dialogue for a peaceful resolution on Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Mangalanandan said India has already rejected Pakistan's proposal of a "strategic settlement," stating that there can be no compromise with terrorism. She reiterated that Pakistan must understand that cross-border terrorism against India would have inevitable consequences.
Reminding the global community of Pakistan's history, she pointed out that it harbored al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden for years. She stated, "It is no surprise that Pakistan's Prime Minister would speak such words at this distinguished forum. However, it is crucial to clarify how unacceptable they are to all of us. Pakistan might prefer to respond to truth with more lies, but repeating lies doesn’t change the facts. India's stance remains clear."
Mangalanandan also highlighted Pakistan’s intent on Jammu and Kashmir, saying, "The truth is that Pakistan has always eyed our region and has consistently used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India." She reminded the assembly that Pakistan is a country with a history of election rigging and continues to oppress its minorities while speaking about intolerance and fear.
Following India's response, a Pakistani diplomat exercised Pakistan’s 'Right to Reply,' calling India's claims baseless and misleading. It’s noteworthy that Pakistan's leaders often raise the Kashmir issue annually at the UNGA.
