India has urged China to change stand on Masood Azhar: Akbar

The government has urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request, which is co- sponsored by several prominent countries, to get Masood Azhar designated as terrorist by the UN, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said on Thursday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Akbar said China has often repeated its concern on terrorism and their desire to cooperate with India on this issue. On several occasions, China has reiterated with India their resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with "zero tolerance", and has agreed that there is no justification for terrorism.

He said: “The government has consistently highlighted to China the threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and affecting the region, including India. We have emphasised that while the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has been proscribed by the UNSC Sanctions Committee...for its well-known terror activities and links to the Al-Qaeda, the designation of JeM’s main leader, financier and motivator Azhar has been repeatedly put on a technical hold.” 

"We have urged China to reverse its technical hold on India's request to list Azhar under 1267 provisions," he said.