UN chief may raise human rights situation in Kashmir

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 20

In a development that may not restrict developments in Jammu and Kashmir to just a sparring contest between India and Pakistan at the United Nations, its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is likely to speak on the issue and the human rights situation in the Kashmir valley when the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) begins next week.

“On Kashmir, the Secretary General has said previously, he remains engaged. I think he will also use the opportunity of discussions during the General Assembly to raise it,’’ his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, responding to a question. 

However, as far as the attitude of other countries is concerned, India has the upper hand, Pakistan was unable to push through a resolution on Kashmir at the ongoing session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva after it failed to muster the required support of one-third of its members. But Guterres’ indication puts in the shade India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin’s observation that India would “soar high if Pakistan stoops low” by raising the Kashmir issue at the UNGA.

PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan are scheduled to address the UNGA on September 27.