New Delhi, Oct 7 (Agency) India on Friday categorically stated that human rights of the people of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China should be respected and guaranteed. “The human rights of the people of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region should be respected and guaranteed. We hope that the relevant party will address the situation objectively and properly,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. Bagchi’s comments came a day after India abstained from voting on the human rights situation in China’s Xinjiang at the United Nations. “India’s vote at UNHRC is in line with its long held position that country specific resolutions are never helpful.
India favours a dialogue to deal with such issues,” Bagchi said clarifying on India’s abstention. We hope that the relevant party will address the situation objectively and properly, he said adding “India remains committed to all human rights.” The MEA’s comments came amid criticism from Opposition parties on India’s abstention. Opposition parties slammed the stand taken by the government at the UN by saying India should speak for what is right and should not be afraid of its neighbour. This is the first time that India has directly called for respecting the human rights of the people of Xinjiang province of China.