New Delhi
India has expressed “deep disappointment” at China’s decision to block consensus on the listing of Masood Azhar as an internationally designated terrorist under 1267 committee of the UN Security Council.

Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson, said: “We are deeply disappointed that once again, a single country has blocked international consensus on the designation of an acknowledged terrorist and leader of UN-designated terrorist organisation, Masood Azhar.”

The application to proscribe Azhar, put on a technical hold three months ago for the fifth time by Beijing, expired today. The proposal backed by the US, France and the UK seeks to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group chief and Pathankot attack mastermind Azhar as a global terrorist by the Al-Qaida sanctions committee, but has constantly faced the Chinese veto block.

continued on page 7“India strongly believes that double standards and selective approaches will only undermine the international community’s resolve to combat terrorism. We can only hope that there will be a realisation that accommodating with terrorism for narrow objectives is both shortsighted and counter-productive,” Raveesh Kumar added.

Responding to queries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson had this week cited “disagreements” on the listing. “We believe the committee should follow principles of objectivity, professionalism and fairness and reach decisions by consensus based on solid proof. As for the listing by the relevant country, there are disagreements,” the spokesperson said. This despite the recent BRICS Summit declaration in Xiamen in China which named Pakistan-based terrorists and made a strong pitch to counter all manifestations of terror outfits and terror-financing, unlike the previous summit held in Goa.