China does it again, blocks move at UN to declare Masood Azhar as ‘global terrorist’
United Nations: China has again blocked move to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad’s (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in UN Security Council, making it the fourth such move since 2009.
The proposal to list Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UNSC was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after the Pulwama terror attack was carried out by a suicide bomber belonging to the JeM that led to heightened tension between India and Pakistan.
Reacting to China’s move, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed disappointment. It asserted that the committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal on account of a member placing the proposal on hold. It added that India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on Indians are brought to justice. (agencies)