UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Kashmir and Indian Govt

Geneva, March 08: India on Thursday strongly protested UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's comments on the Kashmir situation in his annual report and an oral update on human rights developments at the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council here.

In his address on Wednesday, Hussein said: "With respect to Kashmir, on both sides of the Line of Control, regrettably unconditional access continues to be refused to my office, and I will report on this issue at greater length in June."

The UNHRC chief also said that he was "increasingly disturbed by discrimination and violence directed at minorities, including Dalits and other Scheduled Castes, and religious minorities such as Muslims in India.

"In some cases, this injustice appears actively endorsed by local or religious officials," Hussein said.

"I am concerned that criticism of government policies is frequently met by claims that it constitutes sedition or a threat to national security. I am deeply concerned by efforts to limit critical voices through the cancellation or suspension of registration of thousands of NGOs, including groups advocating human rights and even public health groups."