In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him.
About:
Who is Masood Azhar? Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. He has masterminded many terror attacks in India including 2001 Parliament strike and the recent Pulwama carnage in February.
Past attempts by India to designate him a global terrorist: India had initiated the move in UN to list him as global terrorist in 2009. However, on all occasions China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.
Recent development: Now, the 1267 Sanctions Committee of UN has designated Masood Azhar, as a UN proscribed terrorist. The recent proposal was the fourth attempt by India.
Reason for china not using Veto: It appears that China has responded to the growing global concern in relation to Jihadi terror, most recently seen in Sri Lanka.
Significance of recent move:
A "global terrorist" designation will subject Azhar to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo.
The step is in the right direction to demonstrate the international community's resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers.
It is also an important symbolic victory for India in relation to terrorism emanating from groups in Pakistan as Masood Azhar is a blue-eyed boy of Pakistan's spy agency ISI.
Way ahead for India: However, India should remain steadfast in ensuring that the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack and 26/11 Mumbai are brought to book.
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