Politics

A diplomatic win for India as UN designated Masood Azhar “a global terrorist”

by Ramsha-Rizwan
May 04, 2019 15:58

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Masood Azhar is the leader of a militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which was behind a deadly suicide bomb attack in February killing 40 troops in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The move came after China brought an end to its objection to the listing which were previously blocked on Pakistan’s behest. India hailed it as a diplomatic victory and this move has strengthened India’s image in global politics.

Masood Azhar will be now be subjected a travel band and all assets will be freezed.

Syed Akbaruddin, India's ambassador to the United Nations called it a big win and the result of efforts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. Meanwhile, Pakistan said it would immediately enforce the sanctions but also aimed at India.

"Pakistan maintains the stand that terrorism is a menace to the world, including the Indian state-sponsored terrorism against innocent Kashmiris," foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal commented.

He also said that it would be false to present the move as a "victory for India".

The proposal was brought forward by the US, Britain and France after the deadliest attack on Indian army in the decade.It has been reported that China wanted to delay terror designation untill may 15 citing the general elections in India but was forced to not delay after US refused to postpone beyond April 30 and insisted a written assurance before April 23.

China put a technical hold to the proposal of designation of Azhar as a global terrorist within the 1267 UN sanctions committee on Pakistan’s behalf. However,the US after consultations with India decided to move China to change its mind.

The rule of the “1267 UN sanctions”provides for negotiations among members in case disagreements arise. But if the disagreements remain unresolved, any permanent member of UNSC can take it to the Security Council for a vote.

The US exercised this option, formed a draft proposal setting April 23 as the deadline for China to change its mind.

A veto member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole holding member in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar.Finally,China decided to uplift the hold which led to listing of Masood Azhar as a “global terrorist" .