New Delhi: India on Wednesday firmly rejected remarks from Pakistan regarding a court verdict against members of a banned terrorist organisation, stating that Islamabad has no authority to comment on India’s internal affairs or judicial proceedings.
The response followed criticism from Pakistan over the sentencing of Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates in a case related to terrorism. Andrabi, who heads the banned organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat, was convicted under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Reacting to Pakistan’s statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India categorically rejects the remarks issued in support of the outlawed group and its members. He emphasised that Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s judicial processes or domestic matters.
The spokesperson also criticised Pakistan’s record on terrorism and human rights, stating that it is not surprising for a country accused of supporting terrorism to issue statements that appear to justify violence against innocent people. He further said that instead of spreading misleading narratives, Pakistan should reflect on allegations of systematic human rights violations within its own jurisdiction.
The diplomatic exchange came after Pakistan’s foreign ministry described the court verdict against Andrabi as a miscarriage of justice and claimed it reflected suppression of fundamental rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier this week, a Delhi court sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment in the terror funding and conspiracy case. Two of her associates, Fehmeeda and Nasreen, were each given prison terms of 30 years.
In its detailed 286 page judgment, the court concluded that the accused had conspired to promote the secession of Kashmir from India. The ruling cited evidence presented by the National Investigation Agency, including speeches, videos and social media content.
According to the court, the material showed Andrabi repeatedly asserting that Kashmir should separate from India and become part of Pakistan. The order also referred to public speeches and interviews in which she sought support from Pakistan while claiming that Kashmir was not part of India.
India has consistently maintained that issues related to terrorism, internal security and legal proceedings fall within its sovereign domain and has repeatedly urged Pakistan to end support for cross border terrorism.
