New York [US], Oct 15: During the Joint General Debate on decolonization at the United Nations on Monday, Indian Counsellor Eldos Mathew Punnoose exercised India’s right to reply against Pakistan, condemning its “unsubstantiated allegations” regarding the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He urged Pakistan to cease its ongoing human rights violations in the regions it occupies.
Punnoose asserted, “Unsubstantiated allegations by Pakistan largely pertain to the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. India reiterates that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are, were, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Clearly, Pakistan does not merit a response on the internal affairs of India.”
He further advised Pakistan to halt its “grave and ongoing human rights violations” in Pakistan-occupied Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh (PoJKL), highlighting the global awareness of Pakistan’s divisive activities. “India is built on the enduring pillar of democratic values, unlike Pakistan,” he emphasized.
Criticizing Pakistan, Punnoose noted its history of sham elections, political repression, and suppression of dissenting voices. “Pakistan is familiar with sham elections, incarceration of opposition leaders, and suppression of political voices,” he said, underscoring India’s recent election results in Jammu and Kashmir, where millions exercised their right to vote under a constitutional framework.
He pointed out the irony of Pakistan, a nation known for state-sponsored terrorism and transnational crimes, criticizing the world’s largest democracy. “Pakistan’s consistent state policy has been to employ cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbors,” he stated, citing numerous attacks, including one on the Indian Parliament.
Punnoose contrasted India’s values of pluralism, diversity, and democracy with Pakistan’s reputation for terrorism and persecution. “India symbolizes pluralism and democracy, while Pakistan is synonymous with terrorism and persecution. Minorities and their places of worship are routinely targeted in Pakistan,” he remarked.
He added, “Pakistan’s obsession with India is evident as they continue to use this platform to spread malicious propaganda. They may exercise their right of reply, but I will refrain from responding. Facts speak for themselves. Lies remain lies, even when repeated by Pakistan.”
In his address, Punnoose also highlighted India’s commitment to the global struggle against colonialism, noting its historical role in promoting decolonization. “India has been a champion against colonialism, actively contributing to the decolonization agenda,” he said.
Pakistan frequently raises the Jammu and Kashmir issue at UN platforms and other international forums, despite India’s firm rejection of such attempts, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, are integral parts of India, and Pakistan has no standing to comment on India’s domestic matters.
