India Hits Back at Pak; Consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav neither meaningful nor credible

New Delhi, July 17: The External Affairs Ministry stated that the consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav offered by Pakistan was neither meaningful nor credible, so India lodged a protest against such treatment by Pakistan. The consular access is of utmost importance, as it is the basis for a process of effective review and reconsideration ordered by the International Court of Justice in July last year of the conviction and sentence of Mr Jadhav by a Pakistani military tribunal, the MEA informed.

 

In the past year, India has asked Pakistan more than 12 times to provide unimpeded, unhindered, and unconditional consular access to Jadhav, who is in Pakistani custody since 2016. India once again requested the Pakistani side for an unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to be provided on 13th July but Pakistan said it will be provided on July 16.

 

The MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on the contrary, "Pakistani officials with an intimidating demeanour were present in close proximity of Jadhav and Consular Officers despite the protests of the Indian side. It was also evident from a camera that was visible that the conversation was being recorded."

 

Further, the spokesperson, "Jadhav himself was visibly under stress and indicated that clearly to the consular officers. The arrangements did not permit a free conversation between them and the Consular Officers could not engage Jadhav on his legal rights and were prevented from obtaining his written consent for arranging his legal representation."

 

"In the light of these circumstances, the Indian Consular Officers came to the conclusion that the consular access being offered by Pakistan was neither meaningful nor credible. After lodging a protest, they left the venue," the statement read.

 

The spokesperson said that it is clear that Pakistan’s approach to this matter continues to be obstructive and insincere. Pakistan has not only violated its assurance to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to fully implement the 2019 judgment, but also failed to act in accordance with its own Ordinance. He said External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has apprised the family of  Jadhav of these developments.

 

The Spokesperson also reiterated India's commitment to ensure the safe return of Jadhav to India. He said the future course of action will be decided in the light of yesterday's events.

 

Later on, he added "any conversation between them must necessarily take place in privacy and without the presence of any Pakistani official or recording by Pakistan. It is only then that Jadhav can speak freely without any concerns of reprisal as he remains in Pakistani custody after the meeting. The spokesperson said that it is already evident that Jadhav has been intimidated repeatedly in the past, including in being made to express his alleged disinclination to seek a review."

 

Meanwhile, he also said, "India strongly protested against the construction of Diamer Basha Dam to the Pakistan government. It will lead to the submergence of large parts of the land of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He said India condemns attempts by Pakistan to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation. India has also consistently conveyed its protest and shared concerns with both China and Pakistan on all such projects in Indian territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation where it has no locus standi.