India has challenged a report by UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, raising concerns over its account of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his 2003 listing for links to al-Qaida. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly's Third Committee, India's First Secretary to the UN, Raghoo Puri, said Dawood had left India before the listing and remained wanted in connection with terror attacks dating back to 1993.
Puri also referred to the UN Security Council's listing entry, which he said placed Dawood in the same country where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was found and killed, pointing to Pakistan. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of sheltering Dawood and sought his extradition. Pakistan's alleged role in harbouring him remains a long-standing point of contention between the two countries.
India Flags Alleged Inaccuracies in UN Report
During an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Puri criticised what he described as factual inaccuracies in the report.
He argued that member states were being presented with a “fait accompli” and raised concerns about what he called clear bias in parts of the document. He also urged the Special Rapporteur's office to maintain high standards of impartiality and integrity.
Puri rejected Pakistan's remarks concerning Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, describing them as propaganda intended for narrow political gains. He reiterated India's position that the two Union Territories are an integral part of the country.
India Rejects Attempts to Justify Terrorism Through Human Rights
Puri also criticised what he described as attempts by terror sponsors to use human rights and counter-terrorism frameworks to defend their actions.
He said human rights principles should not provide a refuge for those responsible for terrorism, radicalisation or extremism, adding that terrorism could never be justified.
His remarks came amid exchanges between Indian and Pakistani representatives at the UN, reflecting continuing diplomatic tensions over terrorism and the status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dawood Ibrahim and the 1993 Mumbai Blasts
Dawood Ibrahim rose to prominence in Mumbai's underworld during the 1970s and 1980s. His criminal network, known as D-Company, expanded internationally and became associated with smuggling, extortion and organised crime.
Indian investigators identified Dawood as a key conspirator in the March 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, which killed 257 people and injured more than 700. The attacks followed the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992 and subsequent communal violence.
The UN Security Council listed Dawood in 2003 for association with al-Qaida, Osama bin Laden and the Taliban. India has continued to seek his extradition, maintaining that he should face justice over the attacks.
The latest remarks at the UN underline India's continuing efforts to challenge international accounts it considers inaccurate and to keep the issue of cross-border terrorism on the diplomatic agenda.
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