Our Correspondent / New Delhi
India has expressed deep concern over China blocking a proposal at United Nations to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in New Delhi that Chinese action confirms prevalence of double standards in the fight against terrorism.
He said the decision by China was surprising as China too has been affected by the scourge of terrorism and has declared opposition to all its forms. As a consequence of China’s decision, the UN Security Council has again been prevented from acting against the leader of a listed terrorist organization.
China blocked the proposal to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council which had been presented nine months ago and had received the strong backing of all other members of the Committee.
The External Affairs Ministry said the international community is aware that the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed which is proscribed by the United Nations, has been responsible for innumerable terrorist attacks on India including the Pathankot Air Base attack. India said, the inability of the international community to list its leader Masood Azhar is an unfortunate blow to the efforts to counter all forms of terrorism.
India had expected China to be more understanding of the danger posed to all by terrorism and to join India and others in fighting terrorism. New Delhi says it will continue to push forward with resolute determination through the use of all options available to bring terrorists to justice.