New Delhi, July 18: India on Thursday called for the immediate release and repatriation of arrested Kulbhushan Jadhav to Pakistan, calling the verdict of International Court of Justice (ICJ) a vindication of its stand, a day after the ICJ asked Islamabad to “review” and reconsider Jadhav’s conviction and death sentence given to him.
In Rajya Sabha, Indian EAM S Jaishankar on Kulbhushan Jadhav verdict, said, “We once again call upon Pakistan to release and repatriate Kulbhushan Jadhav.”
He said ICJ upheld India’s claim by a vote of 15-1 that Pakistan is in “violation of Vienna Convention” over several counts.
EAM S Jaishankar on #KulbhushanJadhav verdict, in Rajya Sabha: We once again call upon Pakistan to release and repatriate Kulbhushan Jadhav. https://t.co/1k3iZLtqS4
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2019
“ICJ has directed that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further delay of his rights & to provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Vienna Convention,” he added.
In the midst of thumping of desks by parliament members, the EAM stated the government of India welcomed the ICJ’s verdict of Jadhav case.
He asserted, “The House, I am sure, will join me in this landmark judgment. The sentiments, I express in this matter, are those of the entire House and indeed of the entire nation.”
While hailing the ICJ vote of 15-1, Jaishankar asserted, “The sole dissenting judge in Jadhav case was from Pakistan,” adding other nations have stood with New Delhi in this case.
Noting the government has made repeated efforts in seeking Jadhav’s release, including via legal sources in the world court, he said, “In 2017, govt made commitment on floor of the House to undertake all steps necessary to protect interest&welfare of Shri Jadhav. Govt has made untiring efforts in seeking his release including through legal means in ICJ”
EAM S Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha on #KulbhushanJadhav verdict: In 2017, govt made commitment on floor of the House to undertake all steps necessary to protect interest&welfare of Shri Jadhav.Govt has made untiring efforts in seeking his release including through legal means in ICJ pic.twitter.com/aAKeqUJ5Zj
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2019
The EAM praised Jadhav’s family for expressing exemplary courage towards difficult circumstances, further assuring his safe return to the nation soon. He also praised the efforts made by a legal group led by senior counsel Harish Salve, who was representing India in Jadhav’s case.
He said, “I can assure the govt will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure his safety and well being, as well as his early return to India.”
Just minutes after Jaishankar concluded, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on ICJ verdict said: “I am very happy that the entire House is together in welcoming the ICJ judgment. Hope we will pursue till Shri Kulbhushan is discharged and released.”
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict on #KulbhushanJadhav: I am very happy that the entire House is together in welcoming the ICJ judgement. Hope we will pursue till Shri Kulbhushan is discharged and released. pic.twitter.com/DCiodHtQ4x
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2019
Moreover, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy in Vidhana Soudha, Bangaluru, said: “I haven’t come just because there is a question on whether I can run a coalition government or not. Events have shown that even the role of the Speaker has been put under jeopardy by some legislators.”
#Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy in Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru: I haven't come just because there is a question on whether I can run a coalition government or not. Events have shown that even the role of the Speaker has been put under jeopardy by some legislators. pic.twitter.com/lgFPBkcYVc
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2019