China Blocks Proposal at UN to List Masood Azhar as a Designated Terrorist

Maulana Masood Azhar, the Moslem cleric freed by India during last year’s Indian Airlines hijack, is surrounded by supporters at Islamabad’s Melody Market January 27. (Image: Reuters)

Beijing: China on Friday blocked the proposal at UN to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief and Pathankot terror attack mastermind Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist.

Earlier too, China had asserted that Masood Azhar did not qualify to be named as a ‘terrorist’ to face UN sanctions as his case did not meet the Security Council’s requirements.

India reacted strongly to China’s refusal to back its attempt.

“Inability of international community to list Masood Azhar as designated terrorist is a blow to counter terrorism efforts; that shows double standards,” said Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

“We expected that China would be more understanding. On our part we will continue pushing,” the MEA added.

#FLASH: China blocks proposal at UN to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist; MEA reacts,says expected China to be more understanding.

— ANI (@ANI_news) December 30, 2016

(With agency inputs)