India to push afresh for labelling JeM’s Azhar global terrorist

The Indian government is likely to make a fresh bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammad mentor Maulana Masood Azhar labelled as a global terrorist.

Masood is accused of masterminding the terror attack on the Pathankot airbase early this month, which killed at least six Indian soldiers.

The move might come as a setback for China, which in the past has blocked efforts by the United Nations on the matter at the request by Pakistan.

China happens to be one of the five members of the group with veto powers, and didn't allow the ban on Masood, apparently keeping in mind the ties it shares with Pakistan.

The Jaish-e-Mohammad, which operates from Pakistan, has been labelled as a terrorist organisation in several countries including Canada, Australia, the UAE, the United Kingdom, the United States and India.

According to sources, the Indian government is considering raising the issue once again on the international platform as it has enough evidence to prove Masood's hand behind plotting the attack in Pathankot.

Also, considering that the Pakistan government has detained some of the members of the terror outfit, it might be difficult for China this time to oppose a UN move to declare Jaish chief Masood a global terrorist.

India wants sanction not only against Masood but also Abdul Rehman Makki of Jamaat-ud Dawa and Azam Cheema of Lashkar-e-Taoiba outfits.

If the United Nations imposes sanctions on Masood and others for being involved in plotting and carrying out terror activities, all member countries will be asked to take actions against them and not provide any shelter or financial assistance to them or their outfits in future.

This move will place Masood alongside Lashkar-e-Toiba founder Hafiz Sayeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, who have been labelled as international terrorist by United Nations.