India abstains from voting against China in UN: India fights for Uyghur Muslims' human rights

       photo: Reuters

A day after abstaining on a vote against China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims at the UN Human Rights Council, India on Friday said that the human rights of people of Xinjiang should be respected.

At a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "India remains committed to upholding all human rights. India’s vote is in line with its long held position that country specific resolutions are never helpful. India favours a dialogue to deal with such issues."

"We have noted the OHCHR's assessment of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China's regard for human rights. People in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region should have their human rights respected and protected. We anticipate that the appropriate entity will handle the case in a fair and impartial manner "Added he.

India was one of the 11 nations that chose not to vote against China on Thursday in response to allegations that it had violated the human rights of the Uyghur minority in the province of Xinjiang.

At the UNHRC, China, Pakistan, and Nepal were among the 19 members who voted against the resolution, which received support from 17 members. Eleven members, including Brazil, Mexico, India, and Ukraine, chose not to vote.

China's assault on Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other primarily Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, carried out under the pretence of combating terrorism, has been extensively documented since 2017.

Arindam Bagchi added that the relationship between China and India is abnormal. His words ran counter to Beijing's envoy's assertion that things were returning to normal along the Line of Actual Control.

China's military claimed last week that the removal of Chinese and Indian troops from Patrolling Point 15 in the Gogra-Hot Springs region of eastern Ladakh was helpful in fostering tranquilly and calm in the border regions.