India has officially rejected a recent UN expert’s report that linked a terrorist attack in Pahalgam to increased pressure on Myanmar refugees. The Indian government characterized the report as ‘biased and baseless,’ asserting that its claims lacked factual grounding. During a UN General Assembly dialogue, Indian MP Dilip Saikia directly confronted the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, about the report’s findings. Saikia accused the rapporteur of adopting a ‘biased approach’ and viewing the victims of the Pahalgam attack through a ‘communal lens,’ despite the absence of any Myanmar involvement. He further criticized the report for relying on ‘unverified and skewed media reports’ that allegedly seek to damage India’s reputation. Saikia reminded the rapporteur that India is a nation where people of all faiths reside harmoniously. The MP also reiterated India’s support for an internally-led peace initiative in Myanmar, emphasizing democratic principles and the cessation of violence. The report’s reference to the deportation of Rohingya refugees also prompted India to address the UN expert’s inquiries.
