*NEW YORK: United Nations (UN) Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet beratedIndia for its “divisive policies” which have extensively marginalisedMuslims and other minorities in the country.*
“India’s narrow political agendas are marginalising Muslims and otherminorities in an already unequal society,” she said in her annual report tothe UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
“I fear that these divisive policies will not only harm many individuals,but also undermine the success of India’s economic growth story.”
She further said in the report, “We are receiving reports that indicateincreasing harassment and targeting of minorities — in particular, Muslimsand people from historically disadvantaged and marginalised groups, such asDalits and Adivasis.”
Bachelet shared her concerns over the ongoing tensions in Indian-occupiedKashmir and offered her office to investigate the situation on ground.
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“I remain concerned about the ongoing tensions in occupied Kashmir, asshelling and firing on both sides of Line of Control continue to contributeto loss of life and displacement,” she said.
The UN Human Rights chief continued, “I encourage and invite both India andPakistan to my office to monitor the situation on the ground, and to assistboth the states to address the human rights issues that must be part of anysolution to the conflict.”
A day earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also reiterated hiscall to Pakistan and India to “de-escalate the tensions” as the hostilesituation between the two nuclear armed states continues to pose threat tothe regional peace and security.
