Pakistan using terrorism as state policy under guise of concern for human rights: India at UN

India on Tuesday criticised Pakistan for providing sanctuary to UN-designated terrorists and said that Islamabad is using terrorism as a state policy under guise of expressing concern for human rights.

"My delegation wishes to exercise its right of reply in response to the statement made by Pakistan. Pakistan has once again sought to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the guise of concern for human rights," said Sumit Seth, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.

Accusing Pakistan of violating human rights in Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he said that Islamabad has no hesitation in using air power against its own people.

"This is a country that has continued to provide sanctuary to UN-designated terrorists," he said.

Seth reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always remain so.

He held sustained cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan responsible for the present situation in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir.

"The high number of casualties sustained by Indian security forces is a reflection of the tremendous amount of restraint displayed by them under these difficult circumstances," he said.

"We reject attempts by Pakistan to denigrate the democratic choice that has regularly exercised by the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

Seth also noted that India has a robust institution framework to ensure adherence to the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes independent Judiciary, national human rights commission, vibrant civil society and free and vocal media.

He further said that people of Pakistan as well as people of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir have become victims of the sectarian conflict, terrorism and severe economic hardship due to Pakistan's authoritarian and discriminatory policies in complete disregard of human rights.

Asserting that Terrorism is an extreme violation of human rights and should be acknowledged by the International Community, Seth said India was dealing with a state that regards the use of terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft.

"The world watches with concern as the consequences of Pakistan's actions have spread beyond its immediate neighbour. All of us stand prepared to help if only Pakistan, the Creator of this malignant monster -wakes up to the dangers of - what it has done to itself. Pakistan's double speak and hypocrisy does not deserve the time and attention of this forum and its distinguished members," he concluded.