India Hits Out at Pakistan at UNHRC, Says It Is ‘Living in La La Land’

Geneva, Feb 26: India issued a strong rebuttal to Pakistan during the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing Islamabad of peddling propaganda and misusing multilateral platforms to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Invoking its Right of Reply during the high-level segment on February 25, India’s representative Anupama Singh dismissed allegations made by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stating that the grouping had allowed itself to become an “echo chamber” for one member state.

“We categorically reject these allegations,” Singh said, adding that Pakistan’s repeated claims “reek of envy.”

Reaffirming New Delhi’s position, she asserted that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” She described the region’s accession to India in 1947 as lawful and irreversible under the Indian Independence Act and international law.

Calling out Islamabad over territories under its control, Singh said the only pending issue relates to what India terms Pakistan’s illegal occupation of certain areas.

Chenab Bridge Mention Sparks Sharp Remark

In a pointed observation, Singh referred to infrastructure progress in the Union Territory, citing the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, described as the world’s highest railway bridge.

“If the Chenab Rail Bridg is fake, then Pakistan must be hallucinating or living in the ‘La-la-land’,” she remarked.

She further contrasted Jammu and Kashmir’s development spending with Pakistan’s economic situation, claiming that the Union Territory’s budget exceeds the recent financial assistance package sought by Islamabad from the International Monetary Fund.

Democracy and Security Concerns

Responding to criticism of democratic processes, Singh said it was difficult to accept lectures on democracy from a country where civilian governments “rarely complete their terms.” She pointed to voter participation in recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir as evidence of public engagement and a shift away from violence.

Accusing Pakistan of backing destabilising activities, she alleged “relentless state-sponsored terrorism” aimed at disrupting normalcy in the region.

Concluding her remarks, Singh urged Islamabad to address its internal challenges instead of resorting to “grandstanding” at international platforms, saying the global community can see through such attempts.

The exchange marks the latest episode of diplomatic friction between the two neighbours at global forums, particularly over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.