‘Kashmir hearing used to undermine India’s steps’

Delhi reacts to Congressional hearing

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2019 file photo, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar gives a press statement in New Delhi, India. India on Saturday demanded that Pakistan take concrete steps against terrorists operating from its territory, while at the same time returning its top diplomat to Islamabad amid an easing of tensions between the nuclear rivals. Kumar said Saturday, March 9, that a reported Pakistani crackdown this week on seminaries, mosques and hospitals belonging to outlawed groups and arrest of dozens of people was not enough. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

The U.S. congressional hearing on the human rights situation in Kashmir reflected a lack of understanding of Indian democracy and institutional safeguards, said an official of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. The Indian response came days after a hearing at a house foreign affairs subcommittee on Asia and Pacific described the situation in Kashmir as a “disaster” and “crisis.”

“These comments display a very limited understanding of India’s history, her pluralistic society, constitutionally guaranteed freedom, her fundamental rights for all citizens, and the robust institutions operating in the world’s largest democracy,” said Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson, explaining that the hearing was “used” to undermine India’s recent steps in Kashmir.

Cross-border terrorism

The spokesperson highlighted India’s concerns on cross-border terrorism, saying that the hearing should have highlighted cross-border terrorism from Pakistan that constitutes a serious threat to human rights, especially the right to life.

“The government is responsible and responsive to the safety and welfare of Indian citizens,” he said.

The congressional hearing on human rights had submissions from different stakeholders on Kashmir and expressed serious concern about not letting accredited journalists belonging to American news outlets to travel to Kashmir.

However, Mr. Kumar took note of the fact that the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells had indicated support for India’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.

The official said India was regularly informing the U.S. interlocutors regarding the situation in Kashmir. “We have urged our interlocutors to bear in mind the aspect of cross-border terrorism. We take note of the statements made by Ambassador Alice Wells that Pakistan needs to do much more in curbing terrorism on its territory in a credible, verifiable and irreversible manner,” said Mr. Kumar.

He further stated that the treatment of minorities in Pakistan was indeed a matter of concern.

During the congressional hearing, Ms. Wells had explained the democratic context of India in Delhi’s recent decisions regarding Kashmir and said, “I recognise that the situation is complex. I recognise that Pakistan is not without a responsibility in some of its actions.”