United Nations: India on October 30 has strongly refuted Islamabad's allegations that its Army is mistreating women in Jammu and Kashmir and charged Pakistan-sponsored terrorists with exploiting the vulnerabilities of women in the state and in Afghanistan.

Women in Jammu and Kashmir have been at the forefront of initiatives towards the consolidation of peace and security, Indian Ambassador to UN V.K. Nambiar told the Security Council on a debate in "Women Peace and Security."

The success of elections in Jammu and Kashmir in 2002, he emphasised, could be partly attributed to the high turnout of women desirous of utilising the democratic exercise to empower themselves with the means to provide for a more secure and stable environment.

"It is implicit that their participation would also foster and strengthen activities that combat terrorism," he told the 15-member Council and in turn charged that Islamabad- sponsored fundamentalists were trying to impose restrictions on women in Kashmir like the Taliban had done in Afghanistan.

"Unfortunately the same religious fundamentalists have now diverted their attention to other parts including the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Pointing out that Pakistan had no moral right to attack India on this count, he said, "A State that is unable and unwilling to provide basic rights to its women is incapable of any sensitivity on the plight of women in other countries brought by terrorists actions."

PTI