India Questions UN Silence on PoK Rights Violations
India has questioned the United Nations human rights office over its response to alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), demanding clarity on Pakistan’s actions to investigate killings, restrictions on internet access and the detention of protesters. New Delhi also accused the UN body of selective scrutiny and double standards in addressing human rights concerns.
India Questions UN Over Human Rights Violations in PoK
India’s First Secretary to the United Nations, Anuj Swarup, raised the issue on October 14, 2026, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee session.
Swarup referred to earlier statements by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which had called for independent investigations into alleged killings involving Pakistani security forces.
India questioned when the UN body would report on Pakistan’s response to these concerns and the measures taken to ensure accountability.
India Raises Internet Restrictions and Protester Detentions
The concerns included restrictions on internet connectivity across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the detention of Joint Awami Action Committee leaders.
The UN human rights office had previously called for detainees to receive legal representation, family access and fair judicial proceedings.
It had also urged authorities to restore internet services and pursue meaningful political dialogue with local communities.
India sought information on whether Pakistan had implemented these recommendations.
India Accuses UN Human Rights Office of Double Standards
Swarup criticised what India described as selective intervention by the OHCHR, arguing that inconsistent responses to human rights issues weakened confidence in international institutions.
His remarks followed UN criticism of reported mass detentions during demonstrations in New Delhi.
India rejected that criticism as interference in its internal affairs, maintaining that law enforcement agencies operate within constitutional safeguards and judicial oversight.
Swarup reiterated India’s position that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country and that constitutional protections apply equally to their residents.
