07.11.2024

India Counters Pakistan’s Kashmir Claims at United Nations: Key Highlights

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  1. Firm Response to Misinformation: Indian MP Rajiv Shukla firmly responded to Pakistan’s continued allegations on Kashmir, calling Pakistan’s claims “lies and falsehoods” and noting their tendency to spread misinformation.
  2. Defense of India’s Democratic Integrity: Shukla emphasized that as the world’s largest democracy, India operates with transparency and inclusivity. He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir recently held free and fair elections, witnessing high voter turnouts.
  3. Strong Voter Participation: The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, held across three phases in September and October 2024, saw impressive voter turnouts of 61.38%, 57.31%, and 69.9%, reflecting public trust in India’s democratic processes.
  4. Call for Constructive Engagement: Shukla urged Pakistan to engage constructively at the UN rather than using the forum for divisive agendas, promoting peace instead of conflict.
  5. Support for UN Communications: Shukla reassured India’s support for the UN’s Department of Global Communications, advocating for accurate information dissemination and a shared fight against misinformation.
  6. Commitment to Global Peace: India pledged to work alongside the UN to combat misinformation, fostering a reliable global narrative for peace and development.

Through his speech, Shukla reaffirmed India’s stance on Kashmir, showcasing the nation’s commitment to democracy and countering false narratives at an international level.

Judiciary’s Path: Embracing Equality and Evolving Beyond Colonial Legacy

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  1. Guiding Principles of Justice: President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that the judiciary should be guided by principles of equal justice and the need to discard outdated colonial practices.
  2. Supreme Court’s Role: While releasing three publications of the Supreme Court, including Justice for Nation: Reflections on 75 Years of the Supreme Court of India, Ms. Murmu highlighted the court’s critical role as the “conscience-keeper” of Independent India.
  3. Indian Ethos in Jurisprudence: The President praised the Supreme Court’s development of jurisprudence rooted in India’s cultural and social realities, reflecting the nation’s ethos.
  4. Historical Injustices and Social Revolution: Recalling historical injustices like the Ilbert Bill controversy and the Rowlatt Act, Ms. Murmu mentioned how these experiences influenced the Constituent Assembly’s vision of an equitable judicial system.
  5. Focus on Legal Aid and Undertrial Prisoners: She addressed the judiciary’s responsibility towards undertrial prisoners and the importance of legal aid clinics, noting the newly released report on the prison system and its focus on reducing undertrial numbers.
  6. Legacy of 75 Years: The publication Justice for the Nation captures pivotal moments in the Supreme Court’s 75-year journey, celebrating its transformative role in upholding justice and equality.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to these ideals.