‘Pak didn’t give unhindered consular access to Jadhav’

Govt says Indian death row convict was visibly under stress

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday said Pakistan did not provide "unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional" consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav in violation of a verdict by an international tribunal, and that the Indian death row convict was "visibly under stress".

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the two Indian officials from the Indian High Commission who were allowed to meet Jadhav left the meeting after lodging a protest as the consular access provided by Pakistan was "neither meaningful nor credible".

"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 with Jadhav was being recorded," Srivastava said in a statement.

Pakistan provided the second consular access to Jadhav after holding extensive discussions with India.

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

Earlier this month, Pakistan said Jadhav refused to file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against his conviction despite Pakistan offering the option to him. India termed the claim by Pakistan as "farce" and he was "coerced" to forego his rights.

"The consular officers were not given unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional access to Jadhav. In the light of these circumstances, Indian consular officers came to the conclusion the consular access being offered by Pak was neither meaningful nor credible. After lodging a protest, they left the venue," he said.