New Delhi: Once again a heated debate was seen in the United Nations (UN) between India and Pakistan regarding the rights of minorities. In the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan raised questions on the status of minorities in India. In response, Indian representative Raghu Puri said that it is the sovereign responsibility of every country to protect the rights of minorities. He also accused Pakistan of using the UN platform for propaganda against India.
India is said to be a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multilingual society in the world, where diversity has been an important part of its civilisation. The Indian Constitution contains clear provisions to protect the rights of religious and linguistic minorities.
What answer did India give to Pakistan in UN?
Indian representative Raghu Puri said that while commenting on the internal affairs of other countries, their sovereignty and legal system should be respected. India accused Pakistan of using the international forum to divert attention from the economic crisis, law and order problems and human rights issues in its country.
India reiterated its old stand on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that it is an integral and indivisible part of the country. According to India, the remaining issue in this matter is to vacate the areas under illegal occupation of Pakistan.
Why are questions raised on the status of minorities in Pakistan?
The status of Hindus and other religious minorities in Pakistan has been a topic of discussion for a long time. The government there has been criticised for forced religious conversion, kidnapping of minor girls and allegations related to religious freedom.
Controversies have also arisen in Pakistan regarding blasphemy law. Former governor of Punjab province Salman Taseer was murdered by his own security guard in 2011. Taseer had criticised the blasphemy law. Due to these incidents, questions have been raised on religious freedom and security of minorities in Pakistan.
India has already raised questions on religious freedom?
Earlier, India’s representative Bhavika Mangalanandan had raised questions on the functioning of a report related to human rights in the United Nations. He had said that the report paid more attention to developing countries, while similar problems faced in developed countries did not get enough space.
India also said that justice to victims of terrorism and their families should be given priority when discussing human rights.
Why does tension increase between India and Pakistan in UN?
Differences between India and Pakistan often come to the fore in the United Nations on issues like Kashmir, terrorism and human rights. Both countries have been responding to each other’s allegations in international forums. This time too, the debate over the rights of minorities has once again brought the diplomatic tension between the two countries into focus.
