India on Wednesday strongly rebuked Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meeting in Geneva, dismissing its allegations of suppressing democracy and violating human rights in Jammu and Kashmir as “baseless and malicious”. The Indian envoy hit out at the neighbouring country, saying that Pakistan itself is plagued by human rights abuses and is in no position to lecture others and its “rhetoric reeks of hypocrisy”.

India is exercising its right of reply in response to the baseless and malicious references made by Pakistan. It is regrettable to see Pakistan’s so-called leaders and delegates continuing to dutifully spread falsehoods handed down by its military terrorist complex,” diplomat Kshitij Tyagi said.

Addressing the forum earlier, Pakistan’s Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar claimed that there was a “continued denial of the right to self-determination of people” in Kashmir, in “violation of UN charters and resolutions and international law”. He also claimed that human rights violations are happening in the region, which must be stopped.

India countered the charges, citing the progress and development in the region, while also reiterating its sovereignty over Kashmir.