China does it again, blocks move to tag JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist

In a big disappointment for India, China has again blocked the move to tag Jaish-e Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “global terrorist” by the United Nations Security Council. Beijing’s

In a big disappointment for India, China has again blocked the move to tag Jaish-e Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “global terrorist” by the United Nations Security Council.

Beijing’s move came as the Security Council was to take up a resolution on the matter, days after the February 14 Jaish attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.

The proposal to designate Masood Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27, over 10 days after the Pulwama terror attack which was carried out by the Jaish. Germany became a co-sponsor to the proposal later on Wednesday.

China’s objection, made on technical grounds, came an hour before the deadline, after which the resolution to tag him a global terrorist would have been considered adopted by the UN Security Council.

In a note sent to the Council, China said it needed more time to examine the sanctions request on Masood Azhar. The UN had banned the Jaish-e Mohammad in 2001. But India’s efforts to ban Masood Azhar after the Mumbai terror attack was not successful as China has repeatedly blocked the move, apparently at the behest of Pakistan, its strategic ally.

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