India China - Masood Azhar Issue

Why in news?

U.S moved a proposal at the U.N.’s Sanctions Committee 1267, to designate Pakistan-based Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Who is Massod Azhar?

• Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, active mainly in the Pakistani administered Azad Kashmir.
• India holds Azhar responsible for many terrorist acts in India including the 2^nd January 2016 attack on the Pathankot airbase.

Why is China opposing the move?

China was the only country among the 15-member UN Security Council to oppose the ban on Azhar. Even Saudi Arabia backed India. The possible reasons for chinas’s opposition are,

• China and Pakistan are “all-weather friends”. Therefore Beijing’s wants to keep its ally in South Asia in good terms.
• Pakistan is supporting China within groupings like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and others like the Non-Aligned Movement where China has no representation. Therefore this could be payback.
• China also wants to strengthern its relation with Pakistan because of its key role in China’s One Belt One Road plans.
• China sees India’s growing proximity to the US as a major challenge and this could be a retaliation.
• This also could be counter measure against India for sheltering Dalai Lama.

What is the current proposal?

• In December 2016, India’s efforts to get Azhar banned by the U.N. were blocked by China.
• The current proposal by US said that JeM is a designated terror outfit and so its leaders should be banned and the proposal is supported by the U.K. and France.
• But China opposed and put an hold on the U.S.’ move.
• The “hold” remains for six months and can be further extended by three months.
• During this period, it can anytime be converted into a “block,” thereby, ending the life of the proposal.
• Therefore, India has said that the matter has been taken up with the Chinese government.

What is UNSC 1267 Committee?

• The UNSC 1267 Committee was established as a result of resolution 1267 (1999).
• It is also known as the AlQaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee.
• The Committee comprises all 15 members of the UNSC and decides unanimously and secretly.
• It was established for the purpose of overseeing the implementation of sanctions measures imposed on Taliban-controlled Afghanistan for its support of Osama bin Laden.
• Eventually it has been modified and strengthened by subsequent resolutions.
• Now, if an individual or an organisation is included in the list, it helps in restricting their movement, financial penalties and assets freeze among others. 

Source: The Hindu & The Indian Express