Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish slammed Pakistan for its unjustified statement. He came down heavily on Pakistan’s claims and highlighted the ‘fanatical mind’ of the nation. He reiterated that such efforts by Pakistan will not change the reality that Jammu and Kashmir will always be an integral part of India. Harish was reading out India’s statement at the United Nations meeting to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
He said, “As it is their habit, the former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan today has made an unjustified reference to the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Frequent references will neither validate their claim nor justify their practice of cross-border terrorism. The fanatical mindset of this nation is well known, as also its record of bigotry. Such efforts will not change the reality that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always be an integral part of India…”
India’s Take On Islamophobia
Speaking on Islamophobia, Harish said, “We must also ensure that the education system does not perpetuate stereotypes or encourage bigotry. As we observe this day, let us remember that the fight against Islamophobia is inseparable from the broader struggle against religious discrimination in all its forms, as was correctly envisaged in the 1981 declaration. Let us work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their faith, can live with dignity, security and respect.”
He further highlighted about disturbing rise in violence targeting places of worship and religious communities. Harish advocated that this action can be countered by sustained commitment and concrete action. He added, “We have recently witnessed a disturbing rise in violence targeting places of worship and religious communities. This can only be countered by sustained commitment and concrete action from all member states to the principle of equal respect for all faiths. All countries must commit to equal treatment of all their citizens and not practice policies that promote religious discrimination.”
Notably, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also strongly refuted the allegations levelled by Pakistan about Jaffar Express Attack on Friday. MEA rejected the claims made by Pakistan foreign office and called them “baseless allegation.” Addressing the claims made by Pakistan, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We strongly reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan. The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism lies. Pakistan should look inwards instead of pointing fingers and shifting the blame for its own internal problems and failures on to others.”
