India Slams Pakistan PM's Comments On Kashmir At UNGA: 'Hypocrisy At Its Worst'

India on Friday slammed Pakistan for raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir on the platform of the United Nations and described it as "hypocrisy at its worst".

Responding to the allegations made by Pakisan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his address at UNGA, the First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, Bhavika Mangalanandan, said that Pakistan had used "terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir".

"The truth is that Pakistan covets our territory and has continuously used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, an inalienable and integral part of India. A reference has been made to some proposals of strategic restraint," she said.

"This assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics, trade, and transnational crime has had the audacity to attack the world's largest democracy. I speak about the reference to India in the speech of the Pakistani PM," Mangalanandan said.

The Indian diplomat mentioned the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, underscoring Pakistan's role in fostering cross-border terrorism.

"Pakistan has consistently used terrorism as a tool against its neighbours," said Mangalanandan. "It has targeted our Parliament, our financial hub Mumbai, marketplaces, and pilgrimage routes. The list is extensive," she noted.

"For a country like Pakistan to speak about violence anywhere is the height of hypocrisy. Even more astonishing is a nation with a history of rigged elections lecturing about political choices, especially in a democracy," the diplomat added.

Delivering India's Right of Reply at the UNGA, she stated, "There can be no agreement with terrorism. Pakistan must understand that cross-border terrorism against India will inevitably have consequences."

Referring to the Bangladesh genocide of 1971, she remarked, "It is absurd that a country responsible for genocide in 1971, and that continues to persecute its minorities, would dare to lecture others on intolerance and phobias. The world sees Pakistan for what it truly is-this is a country that harbored Osama bin Laden."

"A nation whose fingerprints are on numerous global terrorist incidents, whose policies attract the worst elements of society. It is unsurprising that its leader would speak this way in this esteemed hall. Yet, we must make it clear how unacceptable his remarks are. Pakistan will counter the truth with more lies, but repetition changes nothing. Our position is clear and requires no repetition," said Mangalanandan.

Earlier, in his address to the UNGA, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on India to reverse the abrogation of Article 370 and engage in dialogue for the "peaceful" resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

"Let me be clear: Pakistan will respond decisively to any Indian aggression. For lasting peace, India must reverse the unilateral and illegal actions it has taken since August 5, 2019, and engage in dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people," Sharif claimed.

Sharif also accused India of "massive military expansion" aimed at Pakistan.

"India has vastly expanded its military capabilities, which are essentially focused against Pakistan. Its war doctrines involve surprise attacks and limited warfare under a nuclear umbrella. India has recklessly dismissed Pakistan's proposals for mutual strategic restraint. Its leadership frequently threatens to cross the Line of Control and take over Azad Kashmir," he alleged.

Referring to Article 370's abrogation, Sharif claimed that India has taken "unilateral illegal steps" since August 5, 2019.

"Instead of pursuing peace, India has reneged on its commitments to implement the Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. These resolutions grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir the right to self-determination. Since August 5, 2019, India has initiated unilateral illegal actions to impose what its leaders call a 'final solution' for Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

India has consistently asserted, especially after the 2019 Pulwama attack, that it seeks normal bilateral relations with Pakistan. However, Pakistan must create an environment free from terrorism and hostility. India has repeatedly highlighted Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism and emphasized that dialogue and terror cannot coexist, providing evidence at various international platforms of Pakistan's backing for terrorist groups.