UN report on Kashmir 'biased and motivated': MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday lashed out at the recent report on Kashmir, prepared by the United Nations Human Rights Office, saying it is a "biased and motivated report."

Reacting to the comments on a Pakistani-Canadian national, Zafar Bangash who claimed that he played a role in producing the report on Kashmir, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "The document very clearly reflected bias of an official acting without any mandate and who relied on unverified sources of information. It is very clear that report which was put out was motivated and biased."

In a sensational revelation, Bangash admitted that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, was in constant touch with him while preparing the human rights report on Kashmir, which has been rejected by India.

On reports of the sanctions set to be imposed on Iran, Kumar added, "Iran is our important partner for energy and connectivity. We do share a strong relationship with Iran. In regards to the Chabahar Port, it's important for India and Afghanistan also. It gives them a link to other cities. Work is underway on all."

He underscored that a Red Corner Notice (RCN) was issued against absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi in connection with the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, adding that the MEA has intimidated other countries on the same.

Nirav Modi is reportedly in the UK and needs to be extradited as a non-bailable warrant (NBW) has already been issued against him.

Asked on the extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to India from Malaysia, Kumar further said, "In January this year, we made a formal request for the extradition of Zakir Naik. At this stage, I can tell you that our extradition requests are under consideration by the Malaysian authority."

Last week, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad confirmed that Naik will not be deported to India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), that is probing the cases against Naik, too, denied having any information about his return to India.

Naik is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India.

He is facing probe both in India and Bangladesh after two of the suspects in the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in July 2016 claimed that they were inspired by Naik's radical preachings, and were staunch followers of Naik on Facebook and on the Peace Television Channel.

The MEA had cancelled Naik's passport and asked Malaysia to hand over the Islamic preacher to India.

The 52-year-old currently holds a permanent resident status in Malaysia, which was confirmed by former Malaysian deputy prime minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last year.