Masood Azhar Listing: Diplomatic Win, But Pulwama Not Mentioned
Catch all the live updates on Masood Azhar being designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations.
India, on Thursday, 2 May, downplayed the absence of any reference to the Pulwama terror attack in the UN notification designating Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, asserting that it broadly covered all his terrorist acts.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the UN notification was not supposed to be Azhar's biodata, insisting that the Pulwama attack played a role in his listing.
Meanwhile, in a statement dated Wednesday, Pakistan issued an official order to freeze Azhar’s assets and impose a travel ban on the JeM chief after his designation as ‘global terrorist’ by the UN.
In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations on Wednesday, 1 May, designated the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief a global terrorist after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him under the Security Council's Sanctions Committee .
- China had blocked Azhar’s listing in 2009, 2016, 2017 and 2019
- Azhar’s JeM claimed the terror attack on CRPF troops on 14 February in J&K’s Pulwama
- FM Arun Jaitley hailed the decision and said India stands vindicated
- UNSC designation will subject Azhar to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo
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Masood Azhar Declared a Global Terrorist, China Pulls Oppostion
Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar was listed as a global terrorist by the United Nations on Wednesday, 1 May, after the UN’s Sanctions Committee held a meeting amid indications that China could lift its hold on the proposal to blacklist Azhar.
This comes a day after Beijing said that the vexed issue of designating Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN will be “properly resolved.”
'Big,Small, All Join Together,' Indian Ambassador to UN Hails Decision
India’s Ambassador to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin hailed the decision and in a tweet said that he is grateful to all for the organisation’s support.
France Welcomes UN's Decision on Azhar
Reacting to the UN's decision to declare Azhar as a global terrorist, France said it welcomes the order as it has been "relentlessly pleading" for the sanctions.
"We welcome the designation today, by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee, of Masood Azhar on the UN’s ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List," the statement read.
"French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February. France had adopted national sanctions against Masood Azhar on 15th March," it added.
Who Is Masood Azhar?
JeM Chief Masood Azhar, designated as a global terrorist by the UN, is the masterminded of several audacious attacks on India including the 2001 Parliament strike and the recent Pulwama carnage in February that pushed the two countries to the brink of war.
A known fugitive, 50-year-old Azhar, who formed the JeM in 2000, was branded the brain behind various suicide strikes in India and known to have fine tuned terror tactics which included survey of potential targets before carrying out the attack.
Azhar Moved to Safe House Post Balakot Attack: Reports
Quoting government sources, ANI report stated that the JeM Chief Masood Azhar was put under house arrest at Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, post Balakot Attack by the Indian Air Force in February.
The officials added that he has been recently shifted to a safe house in Islamabad.
India Stands Vindicated: Arun Jaitley
In a tweet, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "India stands vindicated. Masood Azar is now a global terrorist. India is in safe hands. This marks a high point for the Prime Minister’s foreign policy."
What Does Blacklisting Masood Azhar Mean?
A UNSC designation will subject Azhar to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo.
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, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related material of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.
Happy That Its Materialised: Former PM Manmohan Singh
Reacting to the UN's decision to declare Azhar as a global terrorist, former PM Manmohan Singh said that he is happy that the move has been "materialised."
Big Diplomatic Victory for India Under Modi: Javadekar
Union minister Prakash Javadekar reacted to Masood Azhar’s blacklisting and said it is a "big diplomatic victory" for India under Modi in the fight against terrorism and added that Pakistan now stands completely exposed.
Found No Objection After Careful Revision: China on Azhad's Blacklisting
China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials.
China always believes that the relevant work should be carried out in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and based on solid evidence and consensus among all parties, a press release issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.
"On this listing issue, China has been communicating with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible fashion. Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have objection to the listing proposal," he said.
Will Immediately Enforce UN Sanction on Azhar: Pakistan
Reacting to the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson said that it will "immediately enforce UN sanctions" imposed on JeM chief Masood Azhar.
Grateful to PM Modi & His Diplomatic Efforts: Shah
Reacting to the UN's listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, BJP President Amit Shah in a tweet said he is "grateful" to PM Modi and his diplomatic efforts.
"That is why India needs a strong & decisive leader," he added.
'It is a Big Victory,' PM Modi Hails Azhar's Blacklisting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Jaipur said that in India's fight against terrorism, it is a big victory.
Azhar's Listing is Step Towards Right Direction: MEA
The MEA following UN's sanction imposed on Masood Azhar said it is a step towards right direction.
"The 1267 Sanctions Committee’s decision to designate the leader of JeM, Masood Azhar, as a UN proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community’s resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers. We welcome the decision," the statement read.
It further added that India will continue with its efforts through international forums to ensure that terrorist organizations and their leaders who cause harm to citizens are brought to justice.
Disappointed That Azhar’s Listing Doesn’t Mention Pulwama: Cong
The Congress welcomed the designation of JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, but expressed disappointment that the listing "does not mention Pulwama and Jammu and Kashmir" while recounting his role in terror activities.
"We expected Modi government to act at a greater speed in pursuing declaration of Masood Azhar, but after agenda-less visit of PM Modi to China (Wuhan Summit) they did not push for this case with China in the entire period of 2018," Surjewala alleged.
"Several precious lives in terror attacks like Pulwama could have been avoided if Modi government had pushed international community, including China to agree, to declare Masood Azhar as international terrorist," he said.
Pak Trying to Subvert Diplomatic Setback: MEA Sources
Commenting on the UNSC’s designation of JeM chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist, sources within the MEA said that the objective – designation of – has been achieved.
“Pakistan is mischievously attempting to salvage something out of this huge diplomatic setback for them by diverting the narrative. The process of listing started in 2009. Since then, several efforts have been made to list Azhar. This was much before Pulwama terror attack took place,” the source said.
“Pulwama happened to be the latest act of terror but the designation was not based on a specific incident but on the basis of evidence shared with members of the 1267 Sanctions Committee linking Masood Azhar to terrorism. It is not supposed to be a bio-data of a terrorist that all acts of terror committed by him would be listed in the notification. However, all acts of terrorism, including Pulwama, were relevant to the lifting,” the source added.
How Will Azhar Move Help When Pak PM is Modiji's Friend: Digvijaya
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday, 2 May, questioned the impact of the UN’s designation of Masood Azhar.
"How will listing (Masood Azhar as a global terrorist) help when the Pakistan Prime Minister is flaunting his friendship with Modiji. I would say, Dawood Ibrahim, Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed should be immediately handed over to India," Singh said in Bhopal, as per NDTV.
Azhar's Designation a Victory for American Diplomacy: US Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, hailed UN’s designation of Masood Azhar, as a terrorist, as a win for US diplomacy.
"Congrats to US Mission to the UN for their work in negotiating Azhar's UN designation as a terrorist. This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia,” Pompeo said, as per ANI.
Pak PM Saying Right Things, His Military Leadership Must Take Right Steps: US
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is saying right things and trying to make some changes in the country, but his military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps, the Trump Administration said on Wednesday, 1 May, hours after the UN Security Council designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.
Nearly a year and half after President Donald Trump ordered cutting off security aids to Pakistan, a senior US administration official told reporters that the US is trying to change Pakistan's policy of supporting terrorist groups.
BJP Trying to Gather Votes on Masood Azhar's Name: Mayawati
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Thursday, 2 May, said that the party was trying to en-cash on Masood Azhar’s UN sanction.
“Earlier, the BJP government had made (Azhar) a guest and later freed him abroad... Now, at the time of elections, they are trying to gather votes on his name, it is condemnable,” she said, as per ANI.
Process to Name Azhar As Global Terrorist Started by UPA: Chidambaram
The Congress is happy the process of designating JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist has concluded successfully, senior party leader P Chidambaram said on Thursday, 2 May.
Reacting to the development, Chidambaram said Azhar was released in 1999 by a BJP government after the hijack of an Indian Airlines aircraft.
"After Masood Azhar masterminded the Mumbai terror attack in 2008, the process to name him as a global terrorist was started by a Congress/UPA government in 2009,”
"We are happy that the process has concluded successfully in 2019. But why does the Prime Minister of Pakistan want Mr Modi to continue as Prime Minister of India?" the former home minister said in a series of tweets.
MEA's Efforts, PM's Leadership Led to Azhar's UN Sanction: Defence Minister
Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reacted to the UN declaring JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist on Thursday, 2 May.
“Terrorism shall not be tolerated and this declaration from the UN is noteworthy. Persistent measures taken by the MEA, under leadership of PM and his own visits have resulted in this,” she said, as per ANI.
If Country Wins, Every Indian Wins: Arun Jaitley
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday, 2 May, said it is a great victory for India, adding, “Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be applauded. When the country wins, every Indian wins. It is unfortunate that some friends in the Opposition think that if they join in this victory they might have to pay a political price for it,” as reported by ANI.
Jaitley also said the government is seeking the downgrading of Pakistan by the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over money laundering and terrorism financing.
All Members Should Abide by UNSC's Decision on Azhar: UN Chief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar.
The UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.
The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.
In response to a question on Guterres' reaction, his spokesman said: "This is the work of a well-established mechanism through the Sanctions Committee of the Security Council. It is a big part of the United Nations work in the fight against terrorism".
'Sanctity, Credibility' of UN Sanctions Body Preserved: UNSC Prez Indonesia
With the blacklisting of JeM chief Masood Azhar, the "sanctity and credibility" of the UN Security Council's sanctions committee have been preserved, according to Indonesia's envoy to the UN and Chair of the committee Dian Triansyah Djani.
The Indonesian Permanent Representative, who assumed the Presidency of the 15-nation UN Security Council for the month of May, thanked all member states of the 1267 Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee after the designation of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Azhar as a global terrorist.
"I just would like to underline... it's not only the function of the Chair, but all members of the Committee that have been working very hard (on the issue of listing Azhar). But what is more important is not the role of the Chair but what is more important is that we have been able to preserve the sanctity and credibility of the Committee and we have been able to have the listing," Djani said during a press briefing at the UN headquarters on Wednesday, 1 May.
India Won't Negotiate With Any Country on Terrorism: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, 2 May, said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to security of the country.
"We welcome the decision on Masood Azhar – it's a very important decision, in accordance with India's position. Information was provided by India on Jaish-E-Mohammed and Azhar to panel members," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
“ We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted,” Kumar added.
The MEA also pointed that Pakistan is caught in a position where it can neither welcome nor criticise the decision.
“Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pakistan on this diplomatic setback that they have suffered. They can't welcome the decision, they can’t criticize the decision, only option left for them is to pick up some holes,” he said.
Pak Issues Order to Freeze Assets of Azhar, Impose Travel Ban
Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets and impose travel ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar after the United Nations declared him a "global terrorist".
In a notification issued Wednesday, the foreign ministry said, "the Federal Government is pleased to order that the Resolution 2368 (2017) be fully implemented" against Azhar.
The government directed officials to take actions "as appropriate for the implementation of sanctions" against the JeM chief, according to the notification.
Azhar is also banned from selling or purchasing arms and ammunition.
Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday said that Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar.
India Silence on China’s BRI Helped Seal Azhar Deal: Report
UNSC’s decision to list JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist was sealed about 10 days ago, just before the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, after weeks of hectic and keenly fought closed-door negotiations, The Indian Express reported..
Much of the diplomatic negotiations took place in New York, while Washington, Delhi, Beijing, Paris, London and Islamabad were in the loop, officials from at least six countries involved in the discussions told the national daily. “It was a multilateral game played at a subterranean level,” a top source said, explaining the complex web of give-and-takes involved.
The report said that Beijing had subsequently conveyed Pakistan’s five pre-conditions to Delhi: De-escalate the situation; start bilateral dialogue; don’t link the Pulwama attack to Azhar’s listing; don’t push, along with the US, for more listings of other individuals and groups in Pakistan; and, stop violence in Kashmir.
Pakistan Uses 'Terrorism as Tool' Against India: Former CIA Director
Pakistan, obsessed with India as a perceived existential threat, has "created terrorist groups to be a tool" in its struggle against India, a former top American spymaster has said, as per PTI.
Former CIA acting director Michael Morell, in a podcast discussion with Kurt Campbell and Rich Verma on Thursday, alleged that Pakistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world.
Pakistan has "created terrorist groups to be a tool" in their struggle against India, Morell said.
Azhar Now Finding Things Difficult in Pak: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a campaign rally in Karauli, Rajasthan, said after the UNSC’s sanction of JeM chief Masood Azhar, the terrorist leader was finding things difficult in Pakistan.
“Two days back, a major enemy of India, terrorist leader Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist. This terrorist leader, sitting in Pakistan, was giving India injuries after injuries,” Modi said.
“Several brave mothers of Rajasthan lost their brave sons while they attacked such terrorists but now this terrorist is finding it difficult to enjoy in Pakistan. Surgical strike, air strike and now this major international strike on intentions of Pakistan, terrorists and terrorist leaders,” he added.
India Gives Clarion Call at UN to Adopt CCIT After Azhar Blacklisting
India, close on the heels of getting Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar blacklisted, has given a clarion call at the UN for strengthening efforts to adopt the long-pending global convention on international terrorism amidst increasing terror attacks on places of worship across the globe.
India proposed a draft document on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN in 1986 but it has not been implemented as there is no unanimity on the definition of terrorism among the member states.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking at a solemn commemorative event for victims of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, said the early adoption of the global framework to combat terrorism will be a "tribute" to those killed and injured in the "barbaric and cowardly" terror attacks in the island nation last month.