India is an open and democratic nation that adheres to the rule of law, and if and when an aberration occurs, it is promptly and firmly dealt with under the existing legal mechanisms effectively and transparently, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said on Friday.
This statement comes in response to allegations of human rights violations, made by the International Committee of Red Cross, as appearing in WikiLeaks cables.
According to a diplomatic cable, the Red Cross told the U.S. Embassy in 2005 that the security forces in Kashmir beat up suspects, subjected them to electric shocks and tortured them with water.
The External Affairs Ministry statement said: “In India, there is a healthy tradition of democratic debate and freedom of expression on all issues that concern the welfare of our citizens anywhere in our country. Nor have we shied away from an open and candid discussion on such issues when raised by our international friends and partners.”