it's not a surprise for any strategist that China has blocked India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist for the fourth time. China has repeated the old story of putting "technical hold" on the proposal asking for more time. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27, days after the fidayeen attack of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which killed more than 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama.

How does it matter for India?&nbsp;

If the proposal was accepted, it would have amounted to the freezer of JeM assets, future funding and travel ban on Masood Azhar. Realistically, none of these measures would have affected the terror activities of JeM, which has earlier been declared as US-designated terror organisation. 
 
The funding through the unauthorised route is business as usual by attaching some of its members with any nominated social welfare organisation.

In nutshell, India has to continue dealing with terror activities of JeM with or without the imposition of the UNSC ban. India has to show the resolve to deal with JeM itself, for which it has all the options, overt as well as covert, on the table. The UNSC ban on Azhar was thus a symbolic exercise which must continue with similar zeal to rebuild the diplomatic pressure after six months when it can be reconsidered because naming and shaming in UN platform has its own importance. &nbsp;

How is China affected?&nbsp;

Chinese considerations in blocking the ban are governed by its own perceived national interest. China has to protect its economic investment in CPEC including its safe future operation and safety of over 5000 workers from terrorist groups, which are controlled by the Pakistan army and ISI. China also wants to retain leverage in terms of Masood Azhar against India for opposing CPEC and BRI. There seems to be an understanding between China and Pakistan for not training ETIM terrorists causing trouble in Xinjiang province of China and a promise to look the other way when Chinese cause atrocities on Uighur Muslims. In any case, Pakistan’s relation with China is that of a client state being protected by the dragon. China was also not too happy with Indian resolve exhibited in air strikes in Balakot.

This decision of China is marred with some risks as well. China after this action remains isolated with Pakistan on the issue of terrorism and does not project itself as a world power in making by this petty politics. It has also pushed India few notches closer to the western world, risking a promising Indian market. 
 
Options for India &nbsp;&nbsp;

It seems evident that by blocking the bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist China has much more to lose than India. India has to continue with the policy of offensive defence with all options to get rid of the terrorists emanating from Pakistan soil and continue the proxy war in India. 
 
India needs to develop the capacity for the same; hence start with steps to enhance its ‘Comprehensive National Power’ (CNP) because strategic partnerships will have to be developed with like-minded nations.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

it's not a surprise for any strategist that China has blocked India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist for the fourth time.

it's not a surprise for any strategist that China has blocked India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist for the fourth time. China has repeated the old story of putting "technical hold" on the proposal asking for more time. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27, days after the fidayeen attack of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which killed more than 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama. How does it matter for India? If the proposal was accepted, it would have amounted to the freezer of JeM assets, future funding and travel ban on Masood Azhar. Realistically, none of these measures would have affected the terror activities of JeM, which has earlier been declared as US-designated terror organisation. The funding through the unauthorised route is business as usual by attaching some of its members with any nominated social welfare organisation. In nutshell, India has to continue dealing with terror activities of JeM with or without the imposition of the UNSC ban. India has to show the resolve to deal with JeM itself, for which it has all the options, overt as well as covert, on the table. The UNSC ban on Azhar was thus a symbolic exercise which must continue with similar zeal to rebuild the diplomatic pressure after six months when it can be reconsidered because naming and shaming in UN platform has its own importance. How is China affected? Chinese considerations in blocking the ban are governed by its own perceived national interest. China has to protect its economic investment in CPEC including its safe future operation and safety of over 5000 workers from terrorist groups, which are controlled by the Pakistan army and ISI. China also wants to retain leverage in terms of Masood Azhar against India for opposing CPEC and BRI. There seems to be an understanding between China and Pakistan for not training ETIM terrorists causing trouble in Xinjiang province of China and a promise to look the other way when Chinese cause atrocities on Uighur Muslims. In any case, Pakistan’s relation with China is that of a client state being protected by the dragon. China was also not too happy with Indian resolve exhibited in air strikes in Balakot. This decision of China is marred with some risks as well. China after this action remains isolated with Pakistan on the issue of terrorism and does not project itself as a world power in making by this petty politics. It has also pushed India few notches closer to the western world, risking a promising Indian market. Options for India It seems evident that by blocking the bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist China has much more to lose than India. India has to continue with the policy of offensive defence with all options to get rid of the terrorists emanating from Pakistan soil and continue the proxy war in India. India needs to develop the capacity for the same; hence start with steps to enhance its ‘Comprehensive National Power’ (CNP) because strategic partnerships will have to be developed with like-minded nations. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

UN ban on Masood Azhar: Pakistan is drawing its strength from China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhars-unsc-listing-china-hints-it-may-block-move-to-declare-him-a-global-terrorist-203145">China has again blocked India's bid</a> to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist.&nbsp;A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid.&nbsp;

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. The no-objection period deadline was scheduled to end at 3 PM local time (New York) Wednesday, (12:30 AM IST Thursday).

Just before the close of the deadline, China put a hold on the proposal.

The diplomat said China asked for "more time to examine" the proposal.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

The Committee makes its decisions by consensus of its members.

All eyes were on China, which has in the past blocked India's bids to get Azhar listed as a UN-designated global terrorist thrice.

According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted.

As it has done in the past, Beijing put a technical hold on the proposal just as the deadline was about to end.

An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC.

"The UN Security Council and its subsidiary bodies are run on strict rules?. We already stressed China's position on the listing of terrorist organisations and individuals in the UN Security Council 1267 Committee on many occasions," Lu said on Monday.

"China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Lu said on Wednesday.

On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue."

"The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said, indicating that Beijing may again block the move to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

According to sources, the statement of the case of the latest proposal by France mentioned that JeM had taken responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed.

The statement also noted that Azhar is a former leader of the terrorist group Harakat al-Mujahadin and he had given a call to volunteers to join the fight in Afghanistan against Western forces.

In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016 again India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. 
The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals. Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories to the designated individuals and entities.

Hectic diplomatic and political parleys had preceded the closely-watched March 13 deadline as New Delhi reached out to the UNSC member countries.

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, India launched a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, holding briefing for envoys of 25 countries, including those from the five permanent UNSC members -- the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France -- to highlight Islamabad's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

India also handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of the JeM in the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China has again blocked India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist. A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid.

China has again blocked India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist. A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. The no-objection period deadline was scheduled to end at 3 PM local time (New York) Wednesday, (12:30 AM IST Thursday). Just before the close of the deadline, China put a hold on the proposal. The diplomat said China asked for "more time to examine" the proposal. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. The Committee makes its decisions by consensus of its members. All eyes were on China, which has in the past blocked India's bids to get Azhar listed as a UN-designated global terrorist thrice. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted. As it has done in the past, Beijing put a technical hold on the proposal just as the deadline was about to end. An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC. "The UN Security Council and its subsidiary bodies are run on strict rules?. We already stressed China's position on the listing of terrorist organisations and individuals in the UN Security Council 1267 Committee on many occasions," Lu said on Monday. "China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Lu said on Wednesday. On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue." "The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said, indicating that Beijing may again block the move to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to sources, the statement of the case of the latest proposal by France mentioned that JeM had taken responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed. The statement also noted that Azhar is a former leader of the terrorist group Harakat al-Mujahadin and he had given a call to volunteers to join the fight in Afghanistan against Western forces. In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016 again India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals. Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories to the designated individuals and entities. Hectic diplomatic and political parleys had preceded the closely-watched March 13 deadline as New Delhi reached out to the UNSC member countries. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, India launched a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, holding briefing for envoys of 25 countries, including those from the five permanent UNSC members -- the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France -- to highlight Islamabad's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India also handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of the JeM in the Pulwama terror attack.

China again blocks India's bid to have Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist 

China shields Jaish Chief, Masood Azhar Once again

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case.

Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council."

Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region."

India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing.

The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal."

The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations.&nbsp;

JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack.

During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership &amp; our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism."

A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks."

NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism.

Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.”

“Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added.

The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit. 
&nbsp;

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project. Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case. Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council." Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region." India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing. The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal." The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack. During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed. In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership & our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism." A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks." NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism. Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.” “Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added. The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit.

Day After China played chequers in UN, Beijing says need more time, US fumes

After China blocked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">United Nations Security Council's</a>(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate.

Before the close of the deadline, China put the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">UNSC proposal on hold seeking</a> "more time to examine" to examine the case. China has vetoed the proposal on Azhar on three separate&nbsp;occasions&nbsp;earlier - 2009, 2016 and 2017.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXlvjcQFaH4" width="560"></iframe>

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) in a statement said: "We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorists involved in attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice."

"We are disappointed," the MEA added.

"We are grateful to all countries who supported the bid to designate Azhar as a global terrorist," MEA said.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said on Wednesday that India cannot have dialogue with Pakistan unless the neighbouring country acted against terror outfits on its soil, asserting that "talks and terror cannot go together".

After China blocked United Nations Security Council's(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate.

After China blocked United Nations Security Council's(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate. Before the close of the deadline, China put the UNSC proposal on hold seeking "more time to examine" to examine the case. China has vetoed the proposal on Azhar on three separate occasions earlier - 2009, 2016 and 2017. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) in a statement said: "We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorists involved in attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice." "We are disappointed," the MEA added. "We are grateful to all countries who supported the bid to designate Azhar as a global terrorist," MEA said. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said on Wednesday that India cannot have dialogue with Pakistan unless the neighbouring country acted against terror outfits on its soil, asserting that "talks and terror cannot go together".

Will continue to work with sanctions committee to ensure designations list is updated, US on Masood Azhar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after&nbsp;China blocked&nbsp;yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's&nbsp;chief Masood Azhar&nbsp;as a "global terrorist".

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The United States on Wednesday joined Europe, China and other countries in grounding&nbsp;Boeing Co's 737 MAX jets, because of safety concerns after an Ethiopian Airlines plane crash that killed 157 people, the second disaster involving the 737 in less than five months.&nbsp;

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US federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook Inc&nbsp;struck with some of the world's largest technology companies, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-trump-senate-votes-to-end-us-support-for-yemen-war-203188">Defying Trump, Senate votes to end US support for Yemen war</a>

The US Senate on Wednesday dealt a stinging bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump's foreign policy and his alliance with Riyadh, voting to end support for the bloody Saudi-led&nbsp;war effort in Yemen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-agree-to-develop-six-nuclear-power-plants-in-india-203196">India, </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-agree-to-develop-six-nuclear-power-plants-in-india-203196">United</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-agree-to-develop-six-nuclear-power-plants-in-india-203196"> States agree to develop six nuclear power plants in India</a>

The United States and India on Wednesday agreed to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation, including building six US&nbsp;nuclear power plants in India,&nbsp;the two countries said in a joint statement.

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist".

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist". US joins other nations in grounding 737 MAX jets after Ethiopian Airlines plane The United States on Wednesday joined Europe, China and other countries in grounding Boeing Co's 737 MAX jets, because of safety concerns after an Ethiopian Airlines plane crash that killed 157 people, the second disaster involving the 737 in less than five months. US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals: Report US federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook Inc struck with some of the world's largest technology companies, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. Defying Trump, Senate votes to end US support for Yemen war The US Senate on Wednesday dealt a stinging bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump's foreign policy and his alliance with Riyadh, voting to end support for the bloody Saudi-led war effort in Yemen. India, United States agree to develop six nuclear power plants in India The United States and India on Wednesday agreed to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation, including building six US nuclear power plants in India, the two countries said in a joint statement.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">JeM chief Masood Azhar </a>a global terrorist, responsible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">UNSC members</a> warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said.

The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. "This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. "China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. "Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. "The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. "Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. "Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said. The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. “I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. “Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. “I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. “Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. “This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. “Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Responsible UNSC members may be forced to pursue other actions: UNSC diplomat on Masood Azhar

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">China blocked</a> yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhars-unsc-listing-china-hints-it-may-block-move-to-declare-him-a-global-terrorist-203145">chief Masood Azhar </a>as a "global terrorist".

In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry, without naming China, said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal to list Azhar on account of a member country placing the proposal on hold.

The proposal was a fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. China has been blocking the moves.

The External Affairs Ministry said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice.

"We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, nearly two weeks after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors. We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," the MEA said.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. China put a hold on the proposal just before the deadline to raise any objection to the move was coming to an end.

An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during it's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC.

In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016, India again moved the proposal with the P3 -- the United States, the United Kingdom and France -- in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist".

India on Wednesday night expressed "disappointment" after China blocked yet another move at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist". In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry, without naming China, said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal to list Azhar on account of a member country placing the proposal on hold. The proposal was a fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. China has been blocking the moves. The External Affairs Ministry said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice. "We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, nearly two weeks after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack. "We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors. We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," the MEA said. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. China put a hold on the proposal just before the deadline to raise any objection to the move was coming to an end. An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during it's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC. In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016, India again moved the proposal with the P3 -- the United States, the United Kingdom and France -- in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

We're disappointed, says India after China blocks move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. Just before the deadline ended, China put a "technical hold" on the proposal seeking "more time to examine" it.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

Asked why China once again resorted to block the move, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here that Beijing's decision is in line with the rules of the committee.

China "sincerely hopes that relevant action taken by this committee will help relevant countries to engage in dialogue and consultation and prevent adding more complicated factors into regional peace and stability," he said.

"As to the technical hold at the 1267 Committee our action is to make sure that the committee will have enough time to study the matter so that the relevant sides will have time for dialogue and consultation," Lu said.

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"Only a solution that is acceptable to all sides could fundamentally provide a chance for a lasting solution to the issue. China is ready to communicate and coordinate with all sides including India to properly handle this issue," he said.

India Wednesday expressed disappointment soon after China put a technical hold on designating Azhar.

The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice.

"This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said.

Without naming China, it said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Azhar on account of a member placing the proposal on hold.

To another question on the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to improve the bilateral relations, Lu said, "Xi and Modi met four times. Particularly Wuhan summit made great progress. China is full of sincerity and ready to work with India to build on the consensus of our leaders for greater progress in the bilateral relations."

On the Kashmir issue, Lu said China's position on it is clear and consistent. 
"This is an issue that is left over between India and Pakistan. We hope that the two sides will engage in friendly dialogue consultation and solve this issue and other related issues," he said.

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all.

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. Just before the deadline ended, China put a "technical hold" on the proposal seeking "more time to examine" it. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. Asked why China once again resorted to block the move, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here that Beijing's decision is in line with the rules of the committee. China "sincerely hopes that relevant action taken by this committee will help relevant countries to engage in dialogue and consultation and prevent adding more complicated factors into regional peace and stability," he said. "As to the technical hold at the 1267 Committee our action is to make sure that the committee will have enough time to study the matter so that the relevant sides will have time for dialogue and consultation," Lu said. × "Only a solution that is acceptable to all sides could fundamentally provide a chance for a lasting solution to the issue. China is ready to communicate and coordinate with all sides including India to properly handle this issue," he said. India Wednesday expressed disappointment soon after China put a technical hold on designating Azhar. The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice. "This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said. Without naming China, it said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Azhar on account of a member placing the proposal on hold. To another question on the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to improve the bilateral relations, Lu said, "Xi and Modi met four times. Particularly Wuhan summit made great progress. China is full of sincerity and ready to work with India to build on the consensus of our leaders for greater progress in the bilateral relations." On the Kashmir issue, Lu said China's position on it is clear and consistent. "This is an issue that is left over between India and Pakistan. We hope that the two sides will engage in friendly dialogue consultation and solve this issue and other related issues," he said.

China defends move to block ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar, says needs time to conduct thorough probe

After China once again blocked a proposal in the UN Security Council to enlist Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, human rights activists in Geneva on Wednesday (local time) hit out at Beijing for its "predictable" veto.

"China has been using Pakistan as a proxy land for a long time. This is a part of a long term desire and plan by China to completely occupy land resources and state institutions of Pakistan. Pakistani policymakers are not retrospecting about possible repercussions of its implications globally," Jamil Maqsood, a political activist from PoK told ANI.

He said that Chinese policy is "very damaging for international peace, regional peace and democratic aspirations of the people" in the region.Basheer Naveed, Head, International Human Rights Council, termed China's move as a "very sad situation" and "very shameful."

"It was expected that China will veto it and media reports had predicted that China will veto it. It is very sad to see that a person (Azhar) who hijacked a plane and is conducting terrorist attacks in neighbouring countries is being protected. Why is China so interested in him?" he told ANI.

Asserting that China is "very much afraid" of the China -Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Naveed added, "They think these terrorist groups may be provided security to CPEC areas. This is the only reason which I see otherwise. What is the reason behind it? Is China an Islamic country or a fundamentalist country? They are always supporting Pakistan in this way."

"It is very shameful and condemnable. The people of Pakistan know how barbaric these terror outfits are and they know who is behind these terror attacks. It is a very sad situation for the people of Pakistan and in the region," he further said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Junaid Qureshi, a Kashmiri and director of the European Foundation of South Asian Studies (EFSAS) urged the international community to put pressure Pakistan to crack down on terrorists and their outfits operating in the country.

"This was expected. I was not expecting anything else. I did hope of a different outcome especially after the Pulwama attack in which every country in the world had condemned. No one condemned the aerial strike of India and actually said that India has a right to self-defence. I did feel that maybe China might support this one as it didn`t want to isolate itself," Qureshi told ANI.

He added, "The expectations were not very high. The reasons are very evident and obvious. China is building its CPEC through Pakistan. It cannot upset Pakistan and it needs Pakistan."

Hitting out at China for giving strange reasons not to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, the EFSAS director elaborated, "The Chinese diplomats said they cannot designate Masood Azhar as a terrorist because there is no consensus between India and Pakistan over him being a terrorist. It is very strange to look for consensus between a country which is supporting Masood Azhar and perpetrating attacks in India and between those who are attacking and those who are being attacked. That is impossible."

Qureshi expressed hope that the international community take cognisance over the issue and start condemning China, while adding that every country is backing Azhar`s name to be proscribed as a global terrorist."

More needs to be done. The international community should intervene in this and get Pakistan to do more and crack down on these terrorists instead of taking them into preventive custody and freeing them after six months. I don't think that will work," he further said.

Launching a scathing attack on China, Peer Riaz, a Pashtun activist said, "Both China and Pakistan are protecting themselves. They want to enter Gwadar. Their intention is that they want to completely change Pakistan`s geographical region. They are not concerned about Pakistan. They want to carry forward their expansionist policies."

"China is killing the Muslims residing there and are being detained at camps. Their policy has anti-Indian sentiment which is an extremely negative approach," he added.

This is the fourth time that China has used the technical hold to block the proposal, which is being pushed by other permanent members of the UNSC, particularly the US, Britain and France.

India expressed disappointment over the development but vowed to continue to pursue "all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens" are brought to justice."

The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee (1267 Sanctions Committee), upon completion of the no-objection period on 13 March 2019, was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi under the UN Sanctions regime, on account of a member placing the proposal on hold," said a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry.

The statement did not identify the "member" of the UNSC which put the proposal on hold but sources said it was China."

We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February 2019," the MEA statement said.

"We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors," it added.

After China once again blocked a proposal in the UN Security Council to enlist Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, human rights activists in Geneva on Wednesday (local time) hit out at Beijing for its "predictable" veto.

After China once again blocked a proposal in the UN Security Council to enlist Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, human rights activists in Geneva on Wednesday (local time) hit out at Beijing for its "predictable" veto. "China has been using Pakistan as a proxy land for a long time. This is a part of a long term desire and plan by China to completely occupy land resources and state institutions of Pakistan. Pakistani policymakers are not retrospecting about possible repercussions of its implications globally," Jamil Maqsood, a political activist from PoK told ANI. He said that Chinese policy is "very damaging for international peace, regional peace and democratic aspirations of the people" in the region.Basheer Naveed, Head, International Human Rights Council, termed China's move as a "very sad situation" and "very shameful." "It was expected that China will veto it and media reports had predicted that China will veto it. It is very sad to see that a person (Azhar) who hijacked a plane and is conducting terrorist attacks in neighbouring countries is being protected. Why is China so interested in him?" he told ANI. Asserting that China is "very much afraid" of the China -Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Naveed added, "They think these terrorist groups may be provided security to CPEC areas. This is the only reason which I see otherwise. What is the reason behind it? Is China an Islamic country or a fundamentalist country? They are always supporting Pakistan in this way." "It is very shameful and condemnable. The people of Pakistan know how barbaric these terror outfits are and they know who is behind these terror attacks. It is a very sad situation for the people of Pakistan and in the region," he further said. Echoing similar sentiments, Junaid Qureshi, a Kashmiri and director of the European Foundation of South Asian Studies (EFSAS) urged the international community to put pressure Pakistan to crack down on terrorists and their outfits operating in the country. "This was expected. I was not expecting anything else. I did hope of a different outcome especially after the Pulwama attack in which every country in the world had condemned. No one condemned the aerial strike of India and actually said that India has a right to self-defence. I did feel that maybe China might support this one as it didn`t want to isolate itself," Qureshi told ANI. He added, "The expectations were not very high. The reasons are very evident and obvious. China is building its CPEC through Pakistan. It cannot upset Pakistan and it needs Pakistan." Hitting out at China for giving strange reasons not to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, the EFSAS director elaborated, "The Chinese diplomats said they cannot designate Masood Azhar as a terrorist because there is no consensus between India and Pakistan over him being a terrorist. It is very strange to look for consensus between a country which is supporting Masood Azhar and perpetrating attacks in India and between those who are attacking and those who are being attacked. That is impossible." Qureshi expressed hope that the international community take cognisance over the issue and start condemning China, while adding that every country is backing Azhar`s name to be proscribed as a global terrorist." More needs to be done. The international community should intervene in this and get Pakistan to do more and crack down on these terrorists instead of taking them into preventive custody and freeing them after six months. I don't think that will work," he further said. Launching a scathing attack on China, Peer Riaz, a Pashtun activist said, "Both China and Pakistan are protecting themselves. They want to enter Gwadar. Their intention is that they want to completely change Pakistan`s geographical region. They are not concerned about Pakistan. They want to carry forward their expansionist policies." "China is killing the Muslims residing there and are being detained at camps. Their policy has anti-Indian sentiment which is an extremely negative approach," he added. This is the fourth time that China has used the technical hold to block the proposal, which is being pushed by other permanent members of the UNSC, particularly the US, Britain and France. India expressed disappointment over the development but vowed to continue to pursue "all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens" are brought to justice." The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee (1267 Sanctions Committee), upon completion of the no-objection period on 13 March 2019, was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi under the UN Sanctions regime, on account of a member placing the proposal on hold," said a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry. The statement did not identify the "member" of the UNSC which put the proposal on hold but sources said it was China." We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organisation which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February 2019," the MEA statement said. "We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors," it added.

Human rights activists slam China for blocking JeM chief's listing as global terrorist

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">goal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991"> of regional stability: US</a>

China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

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China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee. Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless. Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. US not to suspend Boeing 737 MAX plane: Federal Aviation Administration The US aviation regulator said on Tuesday it would not ground Boeing Co 737 MAX planes after a crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people, bucking a trend of countries around the world that have suspended the aircraft's operations. US, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/decision-tomorrow-india-urges-unsc-to-list-masood-azhar-as-international-terrorist-202946">a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue.&nbsp;

The fate of the proposal to designate Pakistan-based Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council will be known in less than 24 hours when the deadline to raise objections to the bid expires.&nbsp;

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27.&nbsp;

"I could reiterate that China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here.&nbsp;

China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, has blocked the move by India and other member nations three times in the past to designate Azhar.&nbsp;

China has been insisting that the solution should be acceptable to all.

Asked to clarify whether the issue has been listed for discussion for March 13 and China is in talks with all the parties concerned, Lu said, "First I want to clarify that I don't recall saying anything about the deadline about the UNSC committee and other UN subsidiary bodies".&nbsp;

On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue."

"The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said.

Recently, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou travelled to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials.&nbsp;

India on Saturday said all UNSC members were aware about the JeM training camps and the presence of terror group's chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, and urged them to designate him as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

The JeM, headed by the 50-year-old Azhar, carried out many terror strikes in India and was involved in the attack on Parliament, the Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri. It also claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.&nbsp;

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue.

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue. The fate of the proposal to designate Pakistan-based Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council will be known in less than 24 hours when the deadline to raise objections to the bid expires. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27. "I could reiterate that China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here. China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, has blocked the move by India and other member nations three times in the past to designate Azhar. China has been insisting that the solution should be acceptable to all. Asked to clarify whether the issue has been listed for discussion for March 13 and China is in talks with all the parties concerned, Lu said, "First I want to clarify that I don't recall saying anything about the deadline about the UNSC committee and other UN subsidiary bodies". On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue." "The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said. Recently, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou travelled to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials. India on Saturday said all UNSC members were aware about the JeM training camps and the presence of terror group's chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, and urged them to designate him as a global terrorist. The JeM, headed by the 50-year-old Azhar, carried out many terror strikes in India and was involved in the attack on Parliament, the Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri. It also claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

Masood Azhar's UNSC listing: China hints it may block move to declare him a global terrorist 

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/decision-tomorrow-india-urges-unsc-to-list-masood-azhar-as-international-terrorist-202946">Session of the Human Rights Council</a> for its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">support to terrorism</a> and raking up <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">Kashmir</a> and situation of minorities in the country.

In the Second Right of Reply, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Mini Devi Kumam said, "Despite its public commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for terrorism against India, Pakistan continues supporting terror attacks against India, the latest being the Pulwama terror attack last month."

She reminded Pakistan of its "infamous distinction" of hosting 132 UN-designated terrorists &amp; 22 terrorist entities.

The development comes ahead of the decision on listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list by United Nation Security Council 1267 committee.

The Indian diplomat said, "India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and other UN proscribed terror organizations and prevent Jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan."

Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on 14th February.

On the issue of Islamabad raking up situation of minorities at the world body, Kumam while highlighting how "India is a secular State and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our polity", said, minorities in Pakistan face "blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, discrimination, denial of basic rights and freedoms, enforced disappearances and killings."

She further added, "Pakistan today stands out as the country having more cases of blasphemy than the rest of the world put together in the past few years."

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently tried to raise the issue of minorities in India in the last 3 months while turning a blind eye to the situation in his own country.

New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's false narratives on Kashmir saying Pakistan "consistently misled the world" regarding its involvement in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir starting from its "aggression in 1947 and stationing its large troops in the Pakistan occupied territories in violation to the international laws."

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council for its support to terrorism and raking up Kashmir and situation of minorities in the country.

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council for its support to terrorism and raking up Kashmir and situation of minorities in the country. In the Second Right of Reply, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Mini Devi Kumam said, "Despite its public commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for terrorism against India, Pakistan continues supporting terror attacks against India, the latest being the Pulwama terror attack last month." She reminded Pakistan of its "infamous distinction" of hosting 132 UN-designated terrorists & 22 terrorist entities. The development comes ahead of the decision on listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list by United Nation Security Council 1267 committee. The Indian diplomat said, "India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and other UN proscribed terror organizations and prevent Jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan." Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on 14th February. On the issue of Islamabad raking up situation of minorities at the world body, Kumam while highlighting how "India is a secular State and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our polity", said, minorities in Pakistan face "blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, discrimination, denial of basic rights and freedoms, enforced disappearances and killings." She further added, "Pakistan today stands out as the country having more cases of blasphemy than the rest of the world put together in the past few years." Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently tried to raise the issue of minorities in India in the last 3 months while turning a blind eye to the situation in his own country. New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's false narratives on Kashmir saying Pakistan "consistently misled the world" regarding its involvement in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir starting from its "aggression in 1947 and stationing its large troops in the Pakistan occupied territories in violation to the international laws."

India slams Pakistan ahead of the decision on Masood Azhar; highlights Islamabad's role in Pulwama attack

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ghost-of-kandahar-how-masood-azhars-release-keeps-haunting-india-200294#the-deadly-kandahar-hijack-200288">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.)&nbsp;

India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list.&nbsp;

The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. &nbsp;

Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism.

France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing.

Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate."

That leaves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/responsible-discussions-can-resolve-the-issue-in-a-sustainable-manner-china-on-listing-jem-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-at-unsc-202820">China as New Delhi's only worry</a>.&nbsp;

Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it.&nbsp;

Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner".

"China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution."

While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.) India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list. The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. "All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism. France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing. Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate." That leaves China as New Delhi's only worry. Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it. Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner". "China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution." While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

Decision today, India urges UNSC to list Masood Azhar as international terrorist

Rahul Gandhi calling JeM chief as 'Masood Azhar Ji' sparks row

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday slammed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> for referring to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed chief as Masood Azhar "ji" during his public address.&nbsp;

Gandhi, in his address, said that "You would remember that during their (NDA) last government, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar ji."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Rahul Gandhi in Delhi: You would remember that during their(NDA) last Govt, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar. <a href="https://t.co/xTErFR6rjV">pic.twitter.com/xTErFR6rjV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105082740712660992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP did not bat an eye in attacking Gandhi with scores of party leaders joining in, including Union ministers, who took to Twitter and trolled the Congress chief.&nbsp;

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Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! 
 
Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. 
 
Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. 
 
What is happening to Congress Party? <a href="https://t.co/fIB4FoOFOh">pic.twitter.com/fIB4FoOFOh</a>
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/1105102694891601920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. What is happening to Congress Party?" Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted.&nbsp;

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What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? 
 
Their love for terrorists. 
 
Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulLovesTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulLovesTerrorists</a> <a href="https://t.co/CyqoZ7b9CF">pic.twitter.com/CyqoZ7b9CF</a>
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1105097551039082497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to," read Smriti Irani's tweet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for referring to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed chief as Masood Azhar "ji" during his public address.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for referring to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed chief as Masood Azhar "ji" during his public address. Gandhi, in his address, said that "You would remember that during their (NDA) last government, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar ji." #WATCH Rahul Gandhi in Delhi: You would remember that during their(NDA) last Govt, current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went to Kandahar to hand over Masood Azhar. pic.twitter.com/xTErFR6rjV — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2019 × The BJP did not bat an eye in attacking Gandhi with scores of party leaders joining in, including Union ministers, who took to Twitter and trolled the Congress chief. Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. What is happening to Congress Party? pic.twitter.com/fIB4FoOFOh — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) March 11, 2019 × "Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. What is happening to Congress Party?" Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted. What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to #RahulLovesTerrorists pic.twitter.com/CyqoZ7b9CF — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 11, 2019 × "What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to," read Smriti Irani's tweet.

'What's happening to Congress?' asks BJP after Rahul says 'Masood Azhar ji'

Inside Bahawalpur, headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in on Friday welcomed de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan that were on the rise since the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama region. However, the Chinese foreign minister made no&nbsp;mention of Pakistan support's to terrorism on its soil.

Addressing the annual presser in Beijing,&nbsp;Wang Yi said, "China has played a constructive role and both India and Pakistan have indicated the desire to de-escalate and we welcome this."

The foreign minister also did not make any comments on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar under the UN terror list.&nbsp;

The development comes in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions. Last week in response to India's anti-terror operation in Balakot, Pakistan launched strikes on Indian military installations.&nbsp;

Wan Yi also called 2018 a year of "great significance for China India relations" and added, cooperation between the two countries should "surge ahead like Ganga and the Yangtze giving a strong and sustained impetus to our relationship."

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping both have met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan informal summit in April to the last meeting on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina.

Wang Yi said, "Over the past year government departments on both sides have done a lot and made considerable progress in following through on many of the understandings reached between our leaders. The priority now is that strategic understanding of our leaders trickles down to our common people".

Chinese President will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit between both countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in on Friday welcomed de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan that were on the rise since the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in on Friday welcomed de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan that were on the rise since the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama region. However, the Chinese foreign minister made no mention of Pakistan support's to terrorism on its soil. Addressing the annual presser in Beijing, Wang Yi said, "China has played a constructive role and both India and Pakistan have indicated the desire to de-escalate and we welcome this." The foreign minister also did not make any comments on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar under the UN terror list. The development comes in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions. Last week in response to India's anti-terror operation in Balakot, Pakistan launched strikes on Indian military installations. Wan Yi also called 2018 a year of "great significance for China India relations" and added, cooperation between the two countries should "surge ahead like Ganga and the Yangtze giving a strong and sustained impetus to our relationship." The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping both have met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan informal summit in April to the last meeting on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Wang Yi said, "Over the past year government departments on both sides have done a lot and made considerable progress in following through on many of the understandings reached between our leaders. The priority now is that strategic understanding of our leaders trickles down to our common people". Chinese President will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit between both countries.

China welcomes de-escalation of Indo-Pak tensions; makes no mention of Masood Azhar in annual presser

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-push-for-designation-of-jaish-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-france-201668">Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations</a> and leaders by the UN security council.

Responding to a question on Azhar's listing in United Nations terror list, Deputy Spokesperson of the state department, Robert Palladino said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it is accurate."

Palladino was addressing his biweekly news conference in Washington.

Palladino also called Masood Azhar "a threat to regional stability" and urged Pakistan to take "sustained and irreversible" actions against terrorist groups operating from its territory.&nbsp;

"We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council obligations to deny terrorists safe haven and block their entry to funds."

"Jaish-e-Mohammed is a United Nations-designated terrorist group that has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability," he said.

March 13 is the deadline for the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the UNSC terror list if no other country raises an issue and block it.&nbsp;

The US, UK and France have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and all eyes are now on China, given its track record of blocking proposals to put Azhar on the list since 2010.&nbsp;

Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory.

Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14.

The responsibility of the attack was claimed Jaish-e-Mohammed group.

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations and leaders by the UN security council.

The United States is working with the United Nations sanctions committee to ensure the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in the list of terrorist organisations and leaders by the UN security council. Responding to a question on Azhar's listing in United Nations terror list, Deputy Spokesperson of the state department, Robert Palladino said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it is accurate." Palladino was addressing his biweekly news conference in Washington. Palladino also called Masood Azhar "a threat to regional stability" and urged Pakistan to take "sustained and irreversible" actions against terrorist groups operating from its territory. "We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council obligations to deny terrorists safe haven and block their entry to funds." "Jaish-e-Mohammed is a United Nations-designated terrorist group that has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability," he said. March 13 is the deadline for the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the UNSC terror list if no other country raises an issue and block it. The US, UK and France have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and all eyes are now on China, given its track record of blocking proposals to put Azhar on the list since 2010. Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory. Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. The responsibility of the attack was claimed Jaish-e-Mohammed group.

Working with UN sanctions committee to ensure Masood Azhar listing: US

As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-of-punjab-takes-control-of-jud-headquarters-in-muridke-and-lahore-201842"> Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border.

In a pinpointed and swift air strike that lasted less than two minutes, India pounded JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan on February 26, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama strike.

Pakistan is a "global epicentre of terrorism and it needs to take verifiable and credible steps against terrorist organisations and terrorists", said the official on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The official also accused Pakistan and its leadership of being in denial mode and trying to create a war hysteria kind of situation between the two nuclear-weapon states.&nbsp;

"As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of JeM, are still being run in Pakistan and there has been no action against them," the official said.

The Balakot airstrike conducted by India was a counter-terrorism operation, which was well within the international laws. However, a day after on February 27, Pakistan attacked Indian military installation with as many as 20 fighter jets, the official claimed.&nbsp;

"Instead of taking action against terrorist groups, Pakistan escalated the situation and indulged in war hysteria by doing things like declaring emergency in Karachi, blocking air traffic and creating rumours, which is part of its familiar pattern," the official said, adding, "India, on the other hand, exercised restraint."

Islamabad now bears the responsibility to end terrorism, the official said and warned that "India will carry out retaliatory counter-terrorism operation like the one on February 26, deep inside Pakistan, anytime there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border".

Referring to the recent actions taken by Pakistan against several terrorist groups, the official said that these actions are "nothing unusual" as the country takes such steps after every terrorist strike in India.&nbsp;

"These actions", the official described, "are a revolving door policy, under which house arrest of terrorist leaders simply means keeping them in luxurious accommodation". 
They are released once the situation becomes normal, the official said.

But after the Pulwama attack, India has set "a new normal". "For every terrorist attack coming from across the border, India will retaliate and there will be a price that the neighbouring country would have to pay."

Accusing Pakistan of being a state sponsor of terrorism, the official said there is a feeling in India that Islamabad is unlikely to stop funding terror activities "unless the cost of it is too heavy for it to pay".

Asserting that India has the right to self-defence, the official told reporters that New Delhi by successfully carrying out strikes inside Pakistan "has been able to call the Pakistani bluff" on the nuclear front.&nbsp;

"This will not work in the future," the official said and warned Pakistan that "there will be reprisal" for every act of terrorism.

Responding to a question, the official said India has given to the US details of the violation of the end user agreement by Pakistan when it used F-16 fighter jets and advanced missiles against India on February 27.

India, the official said, is very closely engaged with the US and has the support of the Trump administration.&nbsp;

The official also said India is opposed to any IMF bailout packages to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has received as many as 21 bailout packages, including seven in the recent past, from the IMF. However, none of them has been able to address the economic woes of Pakistan because the money intended to improve the economy and developmental purposes have been diverted for non-civilian means.&nbsp;

As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of Jaish-e-Mohammed, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border.

As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of Jaish-e-Mohammed, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border. In a pinpointed and swift air strike that lasted less than two minutes, India pounded JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan on February 26, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama strike. Pakistan is a "global epicentre of terrorism and it needs to take verifiable and credible steps against terrorist organisations and terrorists", said the official on condition of anonymity. The official also accused Pakistan and its leadership of being in denial mode and trying to create a war hysteria kind of situation between the two nuclear-weapon states. "As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of JeM, are still being run in Pakistan and there has been no action against them," the official said. The Balakot airstrike conducted by India was a counter-terrorism operation, which was well within the international laws. However, a day after on February 27, Pakistan attacked Indian military installation with as many as 20 fighter jets, the official claimed. "Instead of taking action against terrorist groups, Pakistan escalated the situation and indulged in war hysteria by doing things like declaring emergency in Karachi, blocking air traffic and creating rumours, which is part of its familiar pattern," the official said, adding, "India, on the other hand, exercised restraint." Islamabad now bears the responsibility to end terrorism, the official said and warned that "India will carry out retaliatory counter-terrorism operation like the one on February 26, deep inside Pakistan, anytime there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border". Referring to the recent actions taken by Pakistan against several terrorist groups, the official said that these actions are "nothing unusual" as the country takes such steps after every terrorist strike in India. "These actions", the official described, "are a revolving door policy, under which house arrest of terrorist leaders simply means keeping them in luxurious accommodation". They are released once the situation becomes normal, the official said. But after the Pulwama attack, India has set "a new normal". "For every terrorist attack coming from across the border, India will retaliate and there will be a price that the neighbouring country would have to pay." Accusing Pakistan of being a state sponsor of terrorism, the official said there is a feeling in India that Islamabad is unlikely to stop funding terror activities "unless the cost of it is too heavy for it to pay". Asserting that India has the right to self-defence, the official told reporters that New Delhi by successfully carrying out strikes inside Pakistan "has been able to call the Pakistani bluff" on the nuclear front. "This will not work in the future," the official said and warned Pakistan that "there will be reprisal" for every act of terrorism. Responding to a question, the official said India has given to the US details of the violation of the end user agreement by Pakistan when it used F-16 fighter jets and advanced missiles against India on February 27. India, the official said, is very closely engaged with the US and has the support of the Trump administration. The official also said India is opposed to any IMF bailout packages to Pakistan. Pakistan has received as many as 21 bailout packages, including seven in the recent past, from the IMF. However, none of them has been able to address the economic woes of Pakistan because the money intended to improve the economy and developmental purposes have been diverted for non-civilian means.

22 terrorist training camps active in Pakistan: Indian official

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a terror organisation and claimed that Pakistani intelligence had used the outfit to carry out suicide attacks in India during his tenure.

In a telephonic interview with Pakistani journalist Nadeem Malik of Hum News on March 5, Musharraf welcomed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's move of taking action against JeM and blamed the terror outfit for carrying out a suicide attack on him at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003 when he was Pakistan's president.

"I have always said that JeM is a terror organisation and they tried to assassinate me in a suicide attack at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003. The suicide bomber pressed a button a few seconds late and I had crossed the bridge by that time. Action should be taken against them (JeM). I am happy that the government is taking a tough stand against them," said Musharraf, who served as Pakistan's president from 2001 to 2008.

Facing mounting international pressure, the Pakistan government on Tuesday said that 44 activists of various outfits, including Azhar's brother Mufti Abdur Rauf and son Hamza Azhar, have been taken into "preventive detention" as part of a crackdown on terror groups.

Asked why he himself had not taken any action against the Masood Azhar-led outfit when he was in power, Musharraf acknowledged that he should have done so while claiming that "those were different times."

"Our intelligence was involved in a tit-for-tat between India and Pakistan. They were carrying out bomb blasts in Pakistan and we were getting it done there (in India). This was going on and amidst this, no action was taken against JeM. I also did not insist on taking action," he said.

Musharraf's statement is contradictory to what the Pakistan Army had said, claiming that JeM "does not exist" in the country.

"Jaish-e-Mohammad does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by the United Nations and Pakistan," Major General Asif Ghafoor, the Pakistani Army's spokesperson, told CNN on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said that the Imran Khan-led government had contacted the Jaish leadership after the Pulwama terror attack and it had denied responsibility. He had also admitted that Azhar was in Pakistan and is "very unwell."

"He (Azhar) is in Pakistan. According to my information, he is very unwell. He's unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. So, that's the information I have”, Qureshi told CNN in an interview.

There has been intense global pressure against Pakistan to stop supporting terrorists and terror outfits after India mounted a diplomatic campaign in this regard.

Tensions have been soaring between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, the responsibility of which has been taken by JeM. India lost 40 CRPF personnel when a suicide bomber targeted their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14.

India recently shared a dossier with Pakistan and key foreign powers, specifying how JeM was involved in Pulwama and various other terror attacks in the country.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a terror organisation and claimed that Pakistani intelligence had used the outfit to carry out suicide attacks in India during his tenure.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has admitted that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) is a terror organisation and claimed that Pakistani intelligence had used the outfit to carry out suicide attacks in India during his tenure. In a telephonic interview with Pakistani journalist Nadeem Malik of Hum News on March 5, Musharraf welcomed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's move of taking action against JeM and blamed the terror outfit for carrying out a suicide attack on him at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003 when he was Pakistan's president. "I have always said that JeM is a terror organisation and they tried to assassinate me in a suicide attack at Jhanda Chichi in Rawalpindi in 2003. The suicide bomber pressed a button a few seconds late and I had crossed the bridge by that time. Action should be taken against them (JeM). I am happy that the government is taking a tough stand against them," said Musharraf, who served as Pakistan's president from 2001 to 2008. Facing mounting international pressure, the Pakistan government on Tuesday said that 44 activists of various outfits, including Azhar's brother Mufti Abdur Rauf and son Hamza Azhar, have been taken into "preventive detention" as part of a crackdown on terror groups. Asked why he himself had not taken any action against the Masood Azhar-led outfit when he was in power, Musharraf acknowledged that he should have done so while claiming that "those were different times." "Our intelligence was involved in a tit-for-tat between India and Pakistan. They were carrying out bomb blasts in Pakistan and we were getting it done there (in India). This was going on and amidst this, no action was taken against JeM. I also did not insist on taking action," he said. Musharraf's statement is contradictory to what the Pakistan Army had said, claiming that JeM "does not exist" in the country. "Jaish-e-Mohammad does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by the United Nations and Pakistan," Major General Asif Ghafoor, the Pakistani Army's spokesperson, told CNN on Wednesday. Earlier this week, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said that the Imran Khan-led government had contacted the Jaish leadership after the Pulwama terror attack and it had denied responsibility. He had also admitted that Azhar was in Pakistan and is "very unwell." "He (Azhar) is in Pakistan. According to my information, he is very unwell. He's unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. So, that's the information I have”, Qureshi told CNN in an interview. There has been intense global pressure against Pakistan to stop supporting terrorists and terror outfits after India mounted a diplomatic campaign in this regard. Tensions have been soaring between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, the responsibility of which has been taken by JeM. India lost 40 CRPF personnel when a suicide bomber targeted their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. India recently shared a dossier with Pakistan and key foreign powers, specifying how JeM was involved in Pulwama and various other terror attacks in the country.

Pakistan intel used Jaish-e-Mohammed for carrying out attacks in India during my tenure: Pak's former President Pervez Musharraf

France will push to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist with its newly-acquired presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) amidst mounting pressure on the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government to act against terror outfits breeding in his country.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler said France, like India, has been affected badly by terrorism in the recent past, adding that not designating Masood "just doesn`t make sense."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Yes, we will push for the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the United Nations. We have been actually pushing for that for the past two years because there is no meaning in a situation where the leader of a group that has been designated as a terrorist group should not be designated by United Nations. It (not designating Masood as a global terrorist) just doesn’t make sense,"&nbsp;he said.

In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a "global terrorist", but it was reportedly blocked by China.

Earlier this week, sources had said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's recent comments on Azhar confirmed that the Pakistan government is in touch with the Jaish chief, thereby strengthening India`s case to put him in the UN Sanctions list.

Meanwhile, Ziegler, while reacting on the pre-emptive airstrikes conducted by the Indian Air Force in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26, said France recognises the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross-border terror.

He also welcomed the release of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistani troops when his MiG 21 was downed after he shot down an F-16 that transgressed into the Indian airspace on February 27.

"Of course we recognise the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross border terror. We also welcome the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan. Easing tension was also a relief. It was a gesture of restraining and responsibility by both the governments," he said.

Ziegler also acknowledged that the UNSC should recognise the "new balance of power", in response to a question on France backing India`s prospects of becoming a permanent member of the UNSC.

"We are not living in 1945 anymore; we are living in a world where some countries have taken leadership and the new balance of power should be recognised by the security council,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

France will push to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist with its newly-acquired presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) amidst mounting pressure on the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government to act against terror outfits breeding in his country.

France will push to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist with its newly-acquired presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) amidst mounting pressure on the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government to act against terror outfits breeding in his country. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler said France, like India, has been affected badly by terrorism in the recent past, adding that not designating Masood "just doesn`t make sense." "Yes, we will push for the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the United Nations. We have been actually pushing for that for the past two years because there is no meaning in a situation where the leader of a group that has been designated as a terrorist group should not be designated by United Nations. It (not designating Masood as a global terrorist) just doesn’t make sense," he said. In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a "global terrorist", but it was reportedly blocked by China. Earlier this week, sources had said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's recent comments on Azhar confirmed that the Pakistan government is in touch with the Jaish chief, thereby strengthening India`s case to put him in the UN Sanctions list. Meanwhile, Ziegler, while reacting on the pre-emptive airstrikes conducted by the Indian Air Force in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26, said France recognises the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross-border terror. He also welcomed the release of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistani troops when his MiG 21 was downed after he shot down an F-16 that transgressed into the Indian airspace on February 27. "Of course we recognise the legitimacy of India to assure its security against cross border terror. We also welcome the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan. Easing tension was also a relief. It was a gesture of restraining and responsibility by both the governments," he said. Ziegler also acknowledged that the UNSC should recognise the "new balance of power", in response to a question on France backing India`s prospects of becoming a permanent member of the UNSC. "We are not living in 1945 anymore; we are living in a world where some countries have taken leadership and the new balance of power should be recognised by the security council," he said.

Will push for designation of Jaish chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist: France

France asks UNSC to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar

Pakistan Foreign Ministry responds to WION on Masood Azhar

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar </a>as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack.

The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence.

“We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source.

Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory.

Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said. The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence. “We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source. Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory. Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India reaching out to all UNSC members seeking support to ban Masood Azhar by UN

Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's son, brother

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country</a>. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

Speaking to a western media outlet, Ghafoor said, "First of all that claim has not been made from within Pakistan because Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by United Nations and Pakistan. "

Accepting Pakistan is acting on terror groups but not on "anybody's pressure", Ghafoor said that "instead of blaming Pakistan, world should assist Pakistan, facilitate Pakistan in getting rid of such organisations".&nbsp;

This latest development comes only days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in interviews to western media outlets, not only accepted that Jaish chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but also that "people over here" were in touch with him.&nbsp;

"He (Masood Azhar) is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is very unwell. He is unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. That's the information I have," Qureshi told CNN.&nbsp;

To the BBC, Qureshi said "people over here" contacted the JeM leadership in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack.

This dissonance will be seen by many as the Pakistani Army and the country's civilian leadership not being on the same page.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Pakistan placed Masood Azhar's son and brother in preventive detention</a>, but the move is being seen as an eyewash by Delhi.

France, the UK and the US have proposed the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. He will be listed as a terrorist under the UN terror list on March 13, 3 pm, New York time if no country raises an issue.&nbsp;

China has been blocking his listing since 2016 citing a lack of consensus.&nbsp;

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. Speaking to a western media outlet, Ghafoor said, "First of all that claim has not been made from within Pakistan because Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by United Nations and Pakistan. " Accepting Pakistan is acting on terror groups but not on "anybody's pressure", Ghafoor said that "instead of blaming Pakistan, world should assist Pakistan, facilitate Pakistan in getting rid of such organisations". This latest development comes only days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in interviews to western media outlets, not only accepted that Jaish chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but also that "people over here" were in touch with him. "He (Masood Azhar) is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is very unwell. He is unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. That's the information I have," Qureshi told CNN. To the BBC, Qureshi said "people over here" contacted the JeM leadership in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack. This dissonance will be seen by many as the Pakistani Army and the country's civilian leadership not being on the same page. On Tuesday, Pakistan placed Masood Azhar's son and brother in preventive detention, but the move is being seen as an eyewash by Delhi. France, the UK and the US have proposed the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. He will be listed as a terrorist under the UN terror list on March 13, 3 pm, New York time if no country raises an issue. China has been blocking his listing since 2016 citing a lack of consensus.

Pak Army says Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan, contradicts Foreign Minister Qureshi

Gravitas: Pakistan to act against Masood Azhar?

Pakistan has arrested the son and brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Minister of State for the Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi announced at a press conference Tuesday that Mufti Abdur Rauf, Azhar's brother, and Hammad Azhar, Azhar's son, had been arrested along with 42 other members of terror groups.&nbsp;

Khan Afridi added that a dossier handed over to Pakistan last week by India had had Mufti Abdur Rauf and Hammad Azhar's names in it.

Khan Afridi however said Tuesday's&nbsp;action had not been taken due to any pressure.&nbsp;

He added the crackdown would continue for two weeks and that action&nbsp;against the 44 people arrested would be taken on the basis of evidence.

Khan Afridi said his government's policy is that Pakistan's soil will not be allowed to be used for terror activities against anyone.

The arrests came a day after Pakistan issued a new order easier to&nbsp;implement&nbsp;UN sanctions against individuals and organisations.

Interpreting the order, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said the order allowed the government to take control of the properties and assets of any banned outfits operating out of Pakistan. Faisal said the order was passed by Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet.&nbsp;

Masood Azhar, the big prize India is after, continues to remain a free man.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/qureshi-hints-pakistan-may-not-oppose-listing-of-jem-chief-azhar-as-global-terrorist-by-unsc-201171">Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a>&nbsp;had on Monday however hinted that Pakistan may not oppose a joint move by the US, Britain and France to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in the UN Security Council.

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan has arrested the son and brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for the Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi announced at a press conference Tuesday that Mufti Abdur Rauf, Azhar's brother, and Hammad Azhar, Azhar's son, had been arrested along with 42 other members of terror groups.

Pakistan has arrested the son and brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for the Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi announced at a press conference Tuesday that Mufti Abdur Rauf, Azhar's brother, and Hammad Azhar, Azhar's son, had been arrested along with 42 other members of terror groups. Khan Afridi added that a dossier handed over to Pakistan last week by India had had Mufti Abdur Rauf and Hammad Azhar's names in it. Khan Afridi however said Tuesday's action had not been taken due to any pressure. He added the crackdown would continue for two weeks and that action against the 44 people arrested would be taken on the basis of evidence. Khan Afridi said his government's policy is that Pakistan's soil will not be allowed to be used for terror activities against anyone. The arrests came a day after Pakistan issued a new order easier to implement UN sanctions against individuals and organisations. Interpreting the order, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said the order allowed the government to take control of the properties and assets of any banned outfits operating out of Pakistan. Faisal said the order was passed by Prime Minister Imran Khan's cabinet. Masood Azhar, the big prize India is after, continues to remain a free man. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had on Monday however hinted that Pakistan may not oppose a joint move by the US, Britain and France to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in the UN Security Council. (With inputs from PTI)

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-options-available-if-there-is-another-terrorist-strike-official-sources-201309">All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources</a>

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.&nbsp;

The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan".&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother</a>

Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters</a>

Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes.

The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-foreign-minister-jeremy-hunt-says-reasonably-positive-signs-from-eu-over-brexit-deal-changes-201281">UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes</a>

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-score-india-all-set-to-face-visitors-australia-in-2nd-odi-201250">Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs</a>

India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike. The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan". Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested. Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes. The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint. UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing. Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

Sometime in 1997, the Jammu and Kashmir government had invited journalists to visit the Kot Balwal jail on the outskirts of Jammu city, which houses dreaded terrorists.

While walking through the pathways, a bearded and overweight Moulvi with a limp tried his best to attract the attention of the visiting media persons. From behind the grills, he tried telling the scribes that he was one of them — a writer.

The visitors, more eager to see Afghan war veterans and highly placed Harkat-ul-Ansar commanders, Nasrullah Mansoor Khan Langrial and Sajjad Khan Afghani, declined. 
 
The Moulvi - none other than Maulana Masood Azhar - is currently the most wanted man in India.

Azhar had come to discipline Afghani

Ironically, it was not just the media which was taken in by the looks of a short squat man who was dismissed as no more than a harmless terrorist sympathiser. The investigating agencies thought the same! They neither filed a case against him nor began prosecution till they were forced to release him in exchange of passengers of the IC814 plane hijacked in December 1999.

Azhar had been sent to Kashmir to discipline Afghani, who had gone berserk after security forces had captured his colleague, Langrial, in January 1994.

An enraged Afghani attacked an Army camp at Elahi Bagh in Srinagar on January 16, but was pushed back. He later kidnapped Major Bhupinder Singh to negotiate Langrial’s release. When authorities refused to negotiate, he executed the officer. Afghani’s actions were creating concern back in Pakistan, where Harkat had planned to lie low and seek entrenchment in South Kashmir.

The problem was - who would bell the errant commander? The planners zeroed in on the innocuous-looking general secretary of the dreaded organisation, Maulana Masood Azhar.

With Portuguese passport in hand, he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) at New Delhi on January 29, 1994, on a Bangladesh Biman flight from Dhaka. Attired in a western suit, with a trimmed beard, he looked every inch an executive, but the immigration officer checked his passport several times. According to Azhar’s own confession, he was sweating down his trousers. But he was allowed to go and he headed for Ashoka Hotel at Chanakyapuri.

Before boarding for Srinagar on February 9, he visited Deoband, getting rid of his western dress. He arrived in Srinagar wearing a skull cap and kurta-pajama to pass off as someone returning from Mecca after performing the pilgrimage.

How Azhar was accidentally captured in 1994

After meeting his contacts in Srinagar, he summoned all commanders who were busy setting embryonic cells for the Harkat in the region. After lecturing the terrorists, urging them not to deviate from the plan, Afghani suggested him to deliver the Friday sermon at the Jamia mosque in Anantnag, to make a defiant statement. Leaving the guards behind, Afghani and South Kashmir local commander, Sikandar’s deputy, Raees, walked to the car.

Interrogation reports later suggested that the car broke down midway and they took an auto-rickshaw. But short of reaching Anantnag, they were encircled by a posse of BSF, who had somehow tracked Raees. The latter opened fire and lobbed grenades, before melting into the forest.

Masood and Afghani were taken to the Khundroo Army camp. Nobody recognised the catch. Intelligence records suggest that at the camp, Afghani, in order to save Azhar, revealed his identity, but not of the short portly man by his side. He told interrogators that this Moulvi has nothing to do with him: “I had kidnapped him. He was arrested when you arrested me.”

Authorities almost caved in, but before releasing, called Azhar into the interrogation room, where he broke down within 30 minutes and blurted out the truth, state intelligence records.

Several attempts were made to free Azhar

Despite several audacious attempts to free Masood, no effort was made to try him in a court of law. The first attempt came in early summer of 1994, when Harkat district commander Sikandar kidnapped two British citizens Kim Housego and producer David Mackie, but had to release them after Housego’s father, a former British journalist based in New Delhi, launched a public campaign.

The same year in October 1994, British Pakistani Omar Sheikh Sayeed lured three British and one American backpacker away from their guest houses in Paharganj and held them hostage at a remote house in a Ghaziabad village. The next day, Sayeed delivered a note at Delhi’s BBC office, demanding the release of Masood Azhar and his two associates, along with passport details of hostages. The BBC office passed on the documents to the Ministry of External Affairs, who sought information from Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi Police.

Upon confirmation that foreigners had been kidnapped, intelligence and security officials went into a tizzy. Nobody had a clue about the kidnappers, but good luck came their way when two UP police constables chased a petty thief, who had taken refuge in the same house where Sheikh, who had just returned from Delhi after delivering the note, was stationed. The British Pakistani took it as a police raid and started firing from an AK-47 rifle. Puzzled, the UP policemen called for reinforcements and found a few western hostages, all tied and trussed up. While other terrorists escaped, Omar Sheikh was arrested.

Another bid to release him again came on July 4, 1995, when a little known terrorist group, Al-Faran, kidnapped six western tourists in the Pahalgam mountains. Author Adrian Levy says the incident changed the face of modern terrorism. Finally, in December 1999, the biggest plan to secure Azhar’s release was sought in exchange of passengers of the hijacked IC814 flight. Along with Omar Sheikh Sayeed and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, Azhar was transported to Kandahar.

Just a month ago, Sajjad Afghani was killed during an unsuccessful attempt at escape from the Kot Balwal Jail. Curiously, plane hijackers didn’t demand the release of Langrial, whose arrest had triggered the entire chain of events. He, after spending 18 years in jail, was finally repatriated in 2011.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-maulana-masood-azhar-the-moulvi-with-a-limp-who-became-india-s-most-wanted-man-2725831">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Sometime in 1997, the Jammu and Kashmir government had invited journalists to visit the Kot Balwal jail on the outskirts of Jammu city, which houses dreaded terrorists.

Sometime in 1997, the Jammu and Kashmir government had invited journalists to visit the Kot Balwal jail on the outskirts of Jammu city, which houses dreaded terrorists. While walking through the pathways, a bearded and overweight Moulvi with a limp tried his best to attract the attention of the visiting media persons. From behind the grills, he tried telling the scribes that he was one of them — a writer. The visitors, more eager to see Afghan war veterans and highly placed Harkat-ul-Ansar commanders, Nasrullah Mansoor Khan Langrial and Sajjad Khan Afghani, declined. The Moulvi - none other than Maulana Masood Azhar - is currently the most wanted man in India. Azhar had come to discipline Afghani Ironically, it was not just the media which was taken in by the looks of a short squat man who was dismissed as no more than a harmless terrorist sympathiser. The investigating agencies thought the same! They neither filed a case against him nor began prosecution till they were forced to release him in exchange of passengers of the IC814 plane hijacked in December 1999. Azhar had been sent to Kashmir to discipline Afghani, who had gone berserk after security forces had captured his colleague, Langrial, in January 1994. An enraged Afghani attacked an Army camp at Elahi Bagh in Srinagar on January 16, but was pushed back. He later kidnapped Major Bhupinder Singh to negotiate Langrial’s release. When authorities refused to negotiate, he executed the officer. Afghani’s actions were creating concern back in Pakistan, where Harkat had planned to lie low and seek entrenchment in South Kashmir. The problem was - who would bell the errant commander? The planners zeroed in on the innocuous-looking general secretary of the dreaded organisation, Maulana Masood Azhar. With Portuguese passport in hand, he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) at New Delhi on January 29, 1994, on a Bangladesh Biman flight from Dhaka. Attired in a western suit, with a trimmed beard, he looked every inch an executive, but the immigration officer checked his passport several times. According to Azhar’s own confession, he was sweating down his trousers. But he was allowed to go and he headed for Ashoka Hotel at Chanakyapuri. Before boarding for Srinagar on February 9, he visited Deoband, getting rid of his western dress. He arrived in Srinagar wearing a skull cap and kurta-pajama to pass off as someone returning from Mecca after performing the pilgrimage. How Azhar was accidentally captured in 1994 After meeting his contacts in Srinagar, he summoned all commanders who were busy setting embryonic cells for the Harkat in the region. After lecturing the terrorists, urging them not to deviate from the plan, Afghani suggested him to deliver the Friday sermon at the Jamia mosque in Anantnag, to make a defiant statement. Leaving the guards behind, Afghani and South Kashmir local commander, Sikandar’s deputy, Raees, walked to the car. Interrogation reports later suggested that the car broke down midway and they took an auto-rickshaw. But short of reaching Anantnag, they were encircled by a posse of BSF, who had somehow tracked Raees. The latter opened fire and lobbed grenades, before melting into the forest. Masood and Afghani were taken to the Khundroo Army camp. Nobody recognised the catch. Intelligence records suggest that at the camp, Afghani, in order to save Azhar, revealed his identity, but not of the short portly man by his side. He told interrogators that this Moulvi has nothing to do with him: “I had kidnapped him. He was arrested when you arrested me.” Authorities almost caved in, but before releasing, called Azhar into the interrogation room, where he broke down within 30 minutes and blurted out the truth, state intelligence records. Several attempts were made to free Azhar Despite several audacious attempts to free Masood, no effort was made to try him in a court of law. The first attempt came in early summer of 1994, when Harkat district commander Sikandar kidnapped two British citizens Kim Housego and producer David Mackie, but had to release them after Housego’s father, a former British journalist based in New Delhi, launched a public campaign. The same year in October 1994, British Pakistani Omar Sheikh Sayeed lured three British and one American backpacker away from their guest houses in Paharganj and held them hostage at a remote house in a Ghaziabad village. The next day, Sayeed delivered a note at Delhi’s BBC office, demanding the release of Masood Azhar and his two associates, along with passport details of hostages. The BBC office passed on the documents to the Ministry of External Affairs, who sought information from Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi Police. Upon confirmation that foreigners had been kidnapped, intelligence and security officials went into a tizzy. Nobody had a clue about the kidnappers, but good luck came their way when two UP police constables chased a petty thief, who had taken refuge in the same house where Sheikh, who had just returned from Delhi after delivering the note, was stationed. The British Pakistani took it as a police raid and started firing from an AK-47 rifle. Puzzled, the UP policemen called for reinforcements and found a few western hostages, all tied and trussed up. While other terrorists escaped, Omar Sheikh was arrested. Another bid to release him again came on July 4, 1995, when a little known terrorist group, Al-Faran, kidnapped six western tourists in the Pahalgam mountains. Author Adrian Levy says the incident changed the face of modern terrorism. Finally, in December 1999, the biggest plan to secure Azhar’s release was sought in exchange of passengers of the hijacked IC814 flight. Along with Omar Sheikh Sayeed and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, Azhar was transported to Kandahar. Just a month ago, Sajjad Afghani was killed during an unsuccessful attempt at escape from the Kot Balwal Jail. Curiously, plane hijackers didn’t demand the release of Langrial, whose arrest had triggered the entire chain of events. He, after spending 18 years in jail, was finally repatriated in 2011. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Masood Azhar: 'The Moulvi with a limp' who became India's most wanted man

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