"Kashmir Issue Brushed Off as Irrelevant": India Criticizes Pakistan for Bringing Up Kashmir Issue at UN Assembly
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held a debate on Monday, October 13, 2022, centring around a vote on a resolution concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The resolution, which was passed, condemns Russia's "attempted annexations" of four Ukrainian regions following "so-called votes."
During the debate, Ambassador Ms Kamboj expressed concerns about the rise of the dispute in Ukraine, including civilian casualties. She urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. The resolution was passed after Russia vetoed a similar proposal in the Security Council.
The UNGA resolution was supported by 143 members, with 5 voting against it and 35 countries abstaining, including India. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, stated that the entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir is and will always be an integral part of India.
The statement was made in response to Pakistan's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the UNGA. However, it was clarified that Pakistan did not raise the Kashmir issue during the debate at the UNGA. Contrary to Pakistan's attempts to draw parallels between the Russian-Ukraine conflict and the Kashmir issue, India called for collective ridicule of such declarations from a thinking that repeatedly utters fallacies.
India also called on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism to allow its people to enjoy their right to life and liberty. The Indian diplomat described the Pakistani statement as an attempt to misuse the forum and make unnecessary and pointless statements against India.
It is important to note that the latest UNGA resolution does not specifically mention India or the Kashmir issue. Previously, the UNGA had adopted a resolution condemning the Russian addition of four Ukrainian regions. The debate at the UNGA focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, not the Kashmir issue.
India has consistently supported that no solution should come at human cost. The UNGA session marked a continuation of the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between India and Pakistan, underscoring the complexities of the geopolitical landscape in South Asia and beyond.
