At a UN session in New York, Bhavika Mangalanandan, India’s first secretary, slammed Pakistan for refusing the bodies of its soldiers killed in the 1999 Kargil war. India had buried the Pakistani dead with military honours and Islamic rites, a gesture that underscored the nation’s commitment to dignity even amid conflict. The allegation was made during a dialogue on the special rapporteur’s report on freedom of religion and belief.
The Kargil conflict, which erupted in the summer of 1999, saw both sides suffer heavy casualties. While India suffered over 500 deaths, Pakistan’s refusal to accept the bodies of its fallen soldiers was a stark reminder of the lingering mistrust between the two neighbours. India’s insistence on proper burial rites highlighted the country’s adherence to international norms.
Mangalanandan’s remarks echoed earlier criticisms from India that Pakistan’s reports on minority rights and terrorism contain factual inaccuracies. She questioned the special rapporteur’s omission of similar cases in the developed world and called for a balanced assessment of burial rights for those who commit terrorism.
India has asked the UN to reassess Pakistan’s position and to ensure that the country’s double standards do not erode its moral authority on religious freedom. The diplomatic note is expected to be forwarded to the UN Human Rights Council, where a review could be scheduled for the coming months.
The director of India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said the nation would monitor Pakistan’s responses closely, warning that any further refusal could trigger a diplomatic backlash.