Government slams UN rights body for 'practising double standards'

NEW DELHI: Amid the clampdown in Delhi, Indian govt for the second time in two days slammed Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for raising concerns about mass detentions in the city, saying this constituted an unacceptable interference in India's internal affairs. While Indian mission to UN in Geneva said Saturday Indian citizens exercise their right to peaceful assembly subject to "reasonable restrictions" in the interest of public order, the ministry of external affairs tweaked the phrasing to "maintenance of public order and safety". Govt also accused the UN human rights office of practising double standards, alluding to the crackdown in PoK, saying this erodes the credibility of its standing and contributes to loss of faith in multilateralism. "We also note OHCHR has an approach of extreme selectivity when it comes to public positions. Violent responses to protests in our neighbourhood have gone uncommented, as indeed have law enforcement actions in its own vicinity," said MEA, also referring to action in countries like France, Belgium and Germany without naming them.

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The UN body had urged Indian authorities to release all those detained. The MEA said India is the world's largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by Constitution and safeguarded by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media. "As in every democracy, Indian citizens exercise this right subject to the maintenance of public order... Our law enforcement authorities act strictly in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for the redressal of any grievances," it said, adding OHCHR's concerns were unwarranted.

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