Even as it released 39 Pakistani civil prisoners and fishermen in a humanitarian gesture, India on Wednesday accused Pakistan of destabilising the situation in Jammu and Kashmir by promoting infiltration and cross-border terrorism and inciting, promoting and glorifying violence and unrest in the state.

"Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the situation there is our internal matter. The Central Government and democratically elected State Government have led a system-wide effort last year to restore normalcy in the state in the wake of Pakistan-supported violent unrest,’’  Ajit Kumar, Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva, said at the 34th session of the Human Rights Council.

Kumar said it was ironical that Pakistan, which has established a well-earned reputation of being a global epicenter of terrorism, should be talking about human rights. "Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights.  For the last two decades, the most wanted terrorists of the world have found succour and sustenance in Pakistan,’’ he added.

Pointing out that Pakistan has created terrorist outfits against India, the Indian diplomat said, "This monster is now devouring its own creator.’’ He also pointed out that Pakistan’s "unwarranted references’’ to UN Security Council resolutions were grossly misleading as Islamabad  was required to vacate the parts of  Jammu and Kashmir under its "illegal and forced occupation".

He said the robust and mature Indian democracy has proved once again that it has sufficiently strong and adequate mechanisms to redress any internal difficulties even if they were incited from outside. "As the world’s largest democracy with a high degree of diversity, India remains committed to the idea of a just and equitable society."

Kumar’s hard-hitting remarks against Islamabad coincided with India releasing 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen, whose nationality has been confirmed by the Pakistani authorities. They were being repatriated to Pakistan via Attari/Wagah, the MEA said, adding New Delhi attached the highest importance to addressing all humanitarian matters, including early release and repatriation of all eligible Indian civil prisoners and fishermen.