India has rejected the United States State Department report that alleged “significant human rights abuses” in the Indian state of Manipur as “deeply biased.”
Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson vehemently asserted that the report was reflective of a poor understanding of India's complexities. "This report is deeply biased and reflects a very poor understanding of India. We attach no value to it and urge you also to do the same,” he told reporters at a press briefing on Apr.25.
The report, an executive summary of the '2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: India', spotlighted instances of human rights violations during an ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur. It also noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's delayed call for action on the matter, labeling the situation as "shameful".
Additionally, the report highlighted a 60-hour search conducted on Feb.14 at the offices of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Delhi and Mumbai. The timing of this action, occurring shortly after the release of a documentary on Prime Minister Modi by the broadcaster, was flagged.
The report also referenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction and sentencing in a case related to defaming the Prime Minister, which resulted in his disqualification from the Lok Sabha. However, the Supreme Court stayed the conviction leading to Gandhi’s reinstatement.
During the Apr.25 Jaiswal took a dig at the United States when asked to comment on the pro-Palestinian protests occurring at universities, resulting in widespread violence and arrests.
He acknowledged the reports on the matter and stated that the events have been closely monitored. He also emphasized the imperative of democracies in striking a balance between freedom of expression and public safety.
Jaiswal stressed the importance of democracies demonstrating this understanding, particularly towards other democratic nations. He remarked, “After all, we are all judged by what we do at home and not what we say abroad.”
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