JeM chief Masood Azhar UN ban push: After China blocks US move, here is what lies ahead for India | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

JeM chief Masood Azhar UN ban push: After China blocks US move, here is what lies ahead for India

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Feb 09, 2017 09:12 PM IST

On February 2, it blocked a US proposal to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar listed on a UN list of designated terrorists.

China has done it again. On February 2, it blocked a US proposal to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar listed on a UN list of designated terrorists.

File photo of Masood Azhar attending a pro-Taliban conference in Islamabad.(Reuters File Photo)
File photo of Masood Azhar attending a pro-Taliban conference in Islamabad.(Reuters File Photo)

India blames Azhar for masterminding last year’s attacks on the Pathankot airbase and an Indian Army camp in Uri in September that left 19 soldiers dead.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The proposal was moved by the Obama administration on January 19 and backed by the UK and France but in a show of solidarity with its “all-weather friend” Pakistan, China put a “technical hold” on it.

Here is what India can do to get Azhar on the UN list:

How long is the technical hold?

The “technical hold” is for six months. China is the only country among the UN’s 15-member security council to hold out on Resolution 1267, which allows for freezing assets and ban travel for those on the list. During the period, India can furnish more details in support of its demand for sanctions against Azhar.

Can China extend the technical hold?

Yes, for another three months. At the end of the nine-month period from February 2, China has to make up its mind if it wants to veto the proposal.

Possible solution?

Though the hold is “technical” but for all practical purposes, it is political in nature. China appreciating India’s concerns over the Jaish chief is the best case scenario but the most unlikely.

India had in February 2016 requested the UN to add Azhar to the sanctions list and had the support of all committee members but one. China put a hold on the plan in April, extended it in October and blocked the proposal in December.

Why the rush for ban and what does it mean?

The push is a part of India’s effort to draw world’s attention to the threat posed by terror groups based in Pakistan. New Delhi blames Azhar, who was freed by India in exchange for passengers of a hijacked Indian Airlines plane in December 1999, for several militant attacks.

Individuals and entities brought on the sanctions list face asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo — measures aimed at crippling their capacity to strike.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On