Pulwama terror attack played role in designation of Masood Azhar as global terrorist: MEA

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the move to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist is a very important decision and in accordance with India’s position.

Holding a press conference, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that we do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on the matter related to the security of the country. 

"We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism & on matters related to security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted," Kumar said.

Kumar also emphasised that India’s objective all along has been the designation of Masood Azhar as a terrorist. It’s not based on a specific incident like Pulwama but on the basis of evidence.

“It was not a bio-data of all his terror acts. The terror attack in Pulwama did play a role in the listing,” Kumar said.

“Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pak 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 added. 

Kumar also said that China's support in listing of Masood Azhar will contribute to better ties between the two countries. 

China's decision to block moves to declare Azhar a global terrorist even after his outfit was proscribed by the UN had become a major irritant in the improvement of its ties with India.

Analysts say it also had a negative effect on China's image in India as Beijing had to time and again defend the dreaded terrorist.

The 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council on May 1, 2019 designated Pakistan’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist after China lifted its technical hold.

The 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council has detailed criteria for the listing procedures. 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.