China has twice thwarted India’s move for Azhar, who is the chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, to be added by the United Nations Security Council to blacklisted groups that are linked to al Qaeda or ISIS.
In April, China was the sole among 15 member-countries of the Security Council to veto the ban on Azhar, which would stop him from travelling internationally and freeze his assets. Days before the veto or “technical hold” was to expire at the end of last month, China renewed it.
Technical holds can be lifted and often arise when a Security Council member wants more information. But sometimes they lead to a permanent blocking of a proposed blacklisting.
Last week, Vikas Swarup, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said that India would ask China to reconsider its stand, seen as a significant extension of support to ally Pakistan.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:oneindia.com)
