New Delhi: India on Thursday (December 2) urged the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to develop a 'better understanding' of the negative impact of terrorism on human rights.
"All actions (by the government and security forces in Kashmir) are strictly in accordance with the law," MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in response to media queries.
"We urge the OHCHR to develop a better understanding of the negative impact of terrorism on human rights," he said.
On the statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on specific incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, the MEA spokesman said such remarks only show the 'lack of understanding' of security challenges faced by India from 'cross-border terrorism'.
"We have seen the statement made by the Spokesperson of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on specific incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. The statement makes baseless and unfounded allegations against law enforcement authorities and security forces of India. It also betrays a complete lack of understanding," MEA spokesman Bagchi said.
He also spoke about the security challenges faced by India from cross-border terrorism and its impact on the most fundamental human right, 'the Right to Life' of our citizens, including in Jammu and Kashmir."
He said: "Referring to proscribed terrorist organisations as 'armed groups' demonstrates a clear bias on the part of OHCHR. As a democratic country, with an abiding commitment to promote and protect the human rights of its citizens, India takes all necessary "steps to counter cross border terrorism."
Such national security legislations, like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), were enacted by Parliament to "protect the sovereignty of India and ensure security of its citizens," he said.
"The arrest and subsequent detention of the individual referred to in the statement was done entirely as per provisions of law," the MEA spokesman said.
He maintained that the authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement on Wednesday had expressed concern at the arrest of Kashmiri activist Khurram Parvez under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)".
The UN body also suggested that there should be amendments in the law to bring it in line with the international human rights law and standards.
"We reiterate our calls for the UAPA to be amended to bring it into line with international human rights law and standards, and urge the authorities, pending the law's amendment, to refrain from using this or other laws unduly restricting freedom of expression in cases involving civil society, media, and human rights defenders," it said.
On November 23, elite anti-terrorism investigation body NIA had arrested Kashmiri activist Khurram Parvez under the stringent terror law following a day-long raid at his office and residence in Kashmir.
Parvez was arrested on Monday for questioning, from where he was formally arrested under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code for "terror funding" and other charges and was later arrested.
