New Delhi: In an open dig at the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that those who used a "political lens" to view human rights were the real violators of human rights and that such selectiveness when it came to human rights tarnished the nation's image. The Prime Minister was addressing an event held to mark the 28th Founding Day of the National Human Rights Commission of India.
"Some people see human rights violations in some incidents but not in other similar incidents. Human rights are violated when viewed via political spectacles. Selective behaviour is harmful to democracy. They attempt to harm nation's image through selective behaviour," the PM said.
Reinforcing India's commitment to human rights, Modi also hailed Gandhi as an icon of non-violence and a champion of human rights and human values.
During his address, he pointed out that India's schemes were to be accessed by all and that the poor could only benefit through a government understanding of their basic needs. Women's rights achievements under his tenure as PM were also highlighted like the banning of triple talaq, granting of 26 weeks maternity leave to career women and reformed abortion laws to give reproductive freedom to women.
The government has introduced stern laws to deter crimes against women, and also set up over 650 fast track courts to deliver swift justice to victims, he added.