United Nations declares JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist with China's support

United Nations : In a major blow to Pakistan, the United Nations on Wednesday declared JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist with China lending its support to the decision.

The decision comes almost two and a half month after the JeM carried out the ghastly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama killing 40 CRPF personnel, an incident which, however, did not find a mention in the resolution adopted.

As per rules, JeM chief will be placed under strict sanctions that include freezing of all his assets and travel restrictions. Pakistan has agreed to comply with the orders.

India lauds the UN decision

Considering it a diplomatic win, India lauded the UN's decision, saying it was a “step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community’s resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers”.

External Affairs Minister Raveesh Kumar said that the action is ‘in accordance with India’s position and in line with the information that India has shared with the members of the Sanctions Committee regarding terrorist activities’ of Azhar and the JeM.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also hailed the decision and said, ‘India stands vindicated’, adding: “… This marks a high point for the Prime Minister’s ( Narendra Modi’s) foreign policy”.

PM Narendra Modi showers praise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also termed the decision as a big win for India's efforts to root out terrorism.

Addressing a Lok Sabha Elections 2019 rally in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, PM Modi said, “It is a matter of satisfaction that a consensus has developed in the world on designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Der aye, durust aye (Better late than never).”

China's blockage

For the last 10 years, China had been opposing the move despite a strong push by the US, UK and France.

After the resolution was adopted, China said it ended its objection after India shared fresh evidence. “After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, Chine does not have an objection to the listing proposal,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Pakistan Action

In Islamabad, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that the sanctions will be imposed immediately on Masood Azhar.