India strongly rejected Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations, accusing Islamabad of misusing the global platform to spread what it described as false and misleading claims regarding the Indian Union Territory.

The response was delivered during discussions on Decolonisation in the UN General Assembly's Fourth Committee by Member of Parliament Mahima Kumari Mewar under India's Right of Reply.

Mewar said it was regrettable that Pakistan continued to use the UN platform to circulate what India termed as lies and falsehoods about Jammu and Kashmir. Reaffirming New Delhi's longstanding position, she stated that Jammu and Kashmir is, and will always remain, an integral and inalienable part of India.

India also turned the focus on territories under Pakistan's control, alleging continuing human rights violations, political repression and the illegal exploitation of local resources. Mewar asserted that residents in these areas had been openly protesting against military rule and restrictions on their freedoms.

She further alleged that Pakistani security forces and associated groups had killed dozens of civilians in recent months during demonstrations related to basic rights, freedoms and essential services.

Criticising Pakistan's domestic political landscape, Mewar pointed to what she described as a history of military rule, disputed electoral processes, imprisonment of popular political leaders, religious extremism and the use of terrorism as a state policy tool. She said such a country should refrain from lecturing others on these issues in international forums.

The exchange formed part of the broader and longstanding disagreement between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir. India maintains that the entire former princely state is an integral part of the country, while Pakistan continues to raise the issue in international forums despite India's position that it is a bilateral matter.

Separately, India called for stronger mechanisms to ensure criminal accountability for United Nations officials and experts on mission during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee.

Representing India, Member of Parliament Priya Saroj reiterated the country's zero-tolerance approach towards criminal conduct and misconduct involving UN personnel. She stressed that accountability is essential to maintaining the credibility, integrity and public trust of the United Nations.

Saroj welcomed the UN Secretary-General's efforts to strengthen accountability systems and noted ongoing work to improve reporting, investigations, referrals and follow-up procedures across the organisation.

She highlighted that between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, the UN Office of Legal Affairs referred 93 cases involving UN officials and experts on mission to their respective states of nationality for investigation and possible prosecution.

According to Saroj, the effectiveness of the accountability framework depends on timely action by member states after such referrals and on close cooperation between national authorities and the United Nations. She encouraged countries to conduct prompt investigations and pursue prosecutions where appropriate while keeping the UN informed of progress.

India also urged states to consider strengthening legal jurisdiction over serious crimes committed abroad by their nationals serving as UN officials or experts on mission, in accordance with their domestic legal systems.

Emphasising the importance of fairness, Saroj said accountability measures must be accompanied by due process protections, respect for the rights of all parties involved, safeguards for victims and witnesses, and preventive measures such as training and awareness programs.

She noted that India's Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 includes provisions relating to certain offences committed outside India by Indian citizens, while the Extradition Act, 1962 provides a legal framework for extradition where applicable.

Saroj also underlined the importance of continued contributions to the UN Secretary-General's Trust Fund supporting victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, while reaffirming India's commitment to working with member states and the United Nations to strengthen accountability, cooperation and effective implementation of international standards.

ANI