India slams UN's remarks on detentions during CJP protest in Delhi, calls them 'unwarranted interference'
PTC News Desk: India has criticised the United Nations human rights office over its concerns about the detention of protesters during large-scale demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi. The government described the UN’s concerns as “misplaced” and an “unwarranted interference” in India’s internal affairs.
In a statement posted on X, India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva said the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. It added that the country’s institutions, independent judiciary and free media protect this right.
“The OHCHR’s concerns are therefore misplaced and constitute an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of India,” the Indian mission said.
The response came after the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concern over reports of mass detentions involving protesters, protest leaders, civil society members, lawyers and journalists before and during the demonstrations in the national capital.
India also urged the UN human rights office to pay similar attention to large-scale protests in other parts of the world. It said the organisation should follow the principles of impartiality and non-selectivity while carrying out its responsibilities.
What India said about right to protest ?
Defending India’s democratic system, the mission said citizens had the right to participate in peaceful protests, subject to reasonable restrictions necessary to maintain public order.
“The authorities, for their part, act in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available to all for redressal of any grievances,” the statement said. India maintained that its constitutional protections, institutions and judicial system provided citizens with ways to raise complaints and seek justice.
UN raises concerns over mass detention
Earlier, UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said the OHCHR was concerned about reports of mass detentions linked to the protests in Delhi.
“We call on the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and fulfilled,” Al-Kheetan said.
The UN spokesperson stressed that any restrictions on peaceful demonstrations must be necessary and proportionate. The authorities were also urged to ensure that law enforcement personnel exercised “utmost restraint” while dealing with peaceful protesters.
The OHCHR called for the immediate and unconditional release of everyone arbitrarily detained. It also urged Indian authorities to hold meaningful discussions with protesters to address their concerns.
- PTC NEWS
