Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken up with Chinese leadership India’s concerns over China blocking its move in the United Nations (UN) for action against Pakistan over release of 26/11 mastermind and LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in violation of a resolution of the world body.
The External Affairs Ministry said India has raised the issue bilaterally with members of the UN Sanctions Committee and in case of China it was taken up at the “highest level”.
At a meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee, India had sought action against Pakistan for release of Lakhvi in the 26/11 trial in violation of a UN resolution but the Chinese representatives blocked the move on grounds that New Delhi did not provide sufficient information.
Sources said Modi has taken up the issue with Chinese leadership, adding except China, all other members in the Sanctions Committee supported India’s stand.
Government had taken up the issue of violation of the 1267 sanctions regime in respect of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. Our concerns in this matter were conveyed to the Chair of the 1267 Committee. We also raised this bilaterally with the other members of the Committee. In the case of China, this matter has been taken up at the highest level.
– Vikas Swarup, Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry
Swarup said the issue of China blocking India’s move was raised with chair of the Sanctions Commitee which is headed by New Zealend.
The release of Lakhvi had also raised concerns in the US, UK, Russia, France and Germany with Washington seeking his re-arrest.
Mumbai Attacks
Lakhvi, the mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack in which 166 people were killed, was released from a Pakistani jail in April. The UN Sanctions Committee met at India’s request last week.
Lakhvi, 55, was arrested in December 2008 and was indicted along with the six others on November 25, 2009 in connection with the 26/11 attack case. The trial has been underway since 2009.
A Pakistani court had on April 9 set free Lakhvi, a development which India said “eroded” the value of assurances repeatedly conveyed to it by Pakistan on cross-border terrorism.
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