India Criticises Pakistan at UN Over Minority Rights, Religious Freedom and Terrorism

India criticised Pakistan at the United Nations over alleged violations of minority rights, religious freedom and discrimination. Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan raised these concerns during a discussion involving the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and the right to conduct funerals in exceptional circumstances. She questioned aspects of a report on religious discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that it appeared to place disproportionate responsibility on countries in the Global South while giving insufficient attention to similar incidents in developed nations. She stressed that human suffering and loss should not be used for political purposes and called for reports on religious freedom to assess incidents impartially.

Mangalanandan also questioned the emphasis placed on the funeral rights of terrorists, arguing that the rights and suffering of victims of terrorist attacks must receive equal attention. Referring to the 1999 Kargil War, she said Pakistan had, on some occasions, declined to accept the bodies of its fallen soldiers, while Indian forces had reportedly performed military funerals for Pakistani personnel in accordance with Islamic traditions. She further urged Pakistan to address concerns about minority rights and developments in territories under its control, including areas of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Her remarks reflect India’s position on these issues; the allegations and interpretations should be understood in that context.