NEW DELHI — The United Nations UN high commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet described the use of UAPA in India as “worrying and said hundreds of people remain in detention in India for exercising their right to the freedom of expression
The United Nations high commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet on Monday criticized India for pressure on journalists, use of UAPA and the as “frequent” temporary communication blackouts in Jammu and Kashmir.
She described the use of UAPA in India as “worrying and said hundreds of people remain in detention in India for exercising their right to the freedom of expression.
In her opening statement at the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bachelet acknowledged the Indian government’s efforts to counter terrorism and promote development in Jammu and Kashmir but said such “restrictive measures can result in human rights violations and foster further tensions and discontent”.
“Indian authorities’ restrictions on public assembly and frequent temporary communication blackouts continue in Jammu and Kashmir, while hundreds of people remain in detention for exercising their right to the freedom of expression, and journalists face ever-growing pressure,” she said.
“Ongoing use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act throughout India is worrying, with Jammu and Kashmir having among the highest number of cases in the country,” Bachelet said.
There was no official reaction to Bachelet’s comments. India, on multiple occasions, in the past strongly rejected the UN human rights chief’s criticisms relating to Jammu and Kashmir. — (Agencies)