New Delhi: In a strongly worded reply to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the UN General Assembly regarding Kashmir and the treatment of Muslims in India, Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan stated that “a nation governed by the military, known globally for terrorism, narcotics, and transnational crime, has the audacity to criticise the world’s largest democracy”.
Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s permanent mission to the UN, accused Pakistan of employing cross-border terrorism as a strategic weapon against India.
#WATCH | At UNGA Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan replies to Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, says, “This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics, trade and transnational crime has… pic.twitter.com/ZpHxE6a5Py
— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2024
India highlights Pakistan’s use of terrorism
Highlighting Pakistan’s use of terrorism, she reminded the assembly of the attacks on the Parliament, marketplaces, and pilgrimage routes, stating, “The list is extensive. For such a nation to speak out against violence is the height of hypocrisy.”
“We are discussing a country that has long harboured Osama bin Laden, with its involvement in numerous terrorist activities worldwide. Its policies attract the most unsavoury elements of society,” Mangalanandan declared during India’s right of reply. Her comments came after Sharif’s call for India to reverse its “unilateral and illegal” actions in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically referencing the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which granted special status to the region.
‘Pakistan a military-run country’
In her retort, Mangalanandan described Pakistan as a “military-run country” with a notorious reputation for terrorism and crime. She expressed astonishment that Pakistan would criticise India in such a forum, especially given its own electoral history. “It is extraordinary for a country with a track record of rigged elections to discuss political freedoms in a democracy,” she noted.
Mangalanandan reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is an “inalienable and integral part of India,” asserting that Pakistan has consistently attempted to undermine peace and disrupt elections in the region through violent means. She condemned Pakistan’s actions, adding that it is hypocritical for such a country to voice concerns about violence elsewhere.
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