The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly refuted the findings of the 2023 US State Department report which highlighted “significant human rights abuses” following ethnic clashes in Manipur. The report, a yearly requirement by the US Congress, pointed out the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had labeled as “shameful.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized the report as “deeply biased” and indicative of a “poor understanding of India,” urging stakeholders to disregard its conclusions. This dismissal underscores ongoing sensitivities between India and the US concerning internal affairs and human rights narratives.
Furthermore, Jaiswal commented on the recent campus protests at Columbia University over Israel’s actions in Gaza, emphasizing the need for democracies to balance freedom of expression with responsibility and public order. He highlighted this balance as crucial, particularly in how democracies are perceived based on their domestic actions rather than their international statements.
In other discussions, Jaiswal confirmed the formation of a high-level committee to investigate matters related to designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, following information shared by the US that impacts India’s national security.
Additionally, he updated on the status of 15 Indian crew members aboard a ship seized by Iran, noting their good health and that consular access had been granted, resulting in one female crew member’s return to India.