India hits back at UN after criticism

India has hit back at the United Nations’ criticism on Rohingya issue saying that “enforcing laws should not be mistaken for lack of compassion”.

Rajib Kumar Chander, Indian envoy to the UNHR in Geneva said New Delhi was concerned about illegal migrants, in particular, with the possibility that they could pose security challenges.

He regretted that the UN body had overlooked the “central role of terrorism”.

“Assessments of human rights should not be a matter of political convenience. We believe achieving human rights goals calls for objective consideration, balanced judgements, and verification of facts,” Chander said.

Addressing UN Human Rights Council’s 36th session in Geneva on Monday, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein criticised India’s recent actions of deporting Rohingya refugees.

In response to comments by Al Hussein at the UN's top human rights body about cow vigilante attacks and last week's killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, Chander said: “Individual incidents are being extrapolated to suggest a broader societal situation.” 

“India is proud of its independent judiciary, freedom of press, vibrant civil society and respect for rule of law and human rights,” he said.