'Fanatical mindset and a habit': India slams Pakistan for 'unjustified' reference to Jammu and Kashmir in UNGA

India has slammed Pakistan for making unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir at the UN General Assembly, saying the country has a 'fanatical mindset' and a 'habit' of making unjustified reference to the Indian Union Territory.

"As is their habit, the former foreign secretary of Pakistan today has made an unjustified reference to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," stated India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, during Friday's General Assembly meeting commemorating the International Day to combat Islamophobia.

Harish said that Pakistan's repeated references would not legitimise their claims or validate their cross-border terrorism practices.



"The fanatical mindset of this nation is well known, as also its record of bigotry. Such efforts will not change the reality that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always be an integral part of India," he stated.

This stern response followed Pakistan's former foreign secretary, Tehmina Janjua's comments about Jammu and Kashmir during the informal meeting to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

According to the Indian Permanent Mission to the United Nations Harish also highlighted India's pluralistic nature, noting its population of over 200 million Muslims.

"It is imperative to recognise that religious discrimination is a broader challenge that affects followers of all faiths. The path to meaningful progress lies in acknowledging that religio-phobia in its various forms threatens the fabric of our diverse, global society," Harish reportedly said in his statement.

Harish also emphasised that discussions about religious matters should foster unity rather than division.

"There is a need to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their faith, can live with dignity, security, and respect. Any deliberation on issues of faith must seek to unite, not divide," he concluded.