PTI, NEW DELHI: India Wednesday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing it as a “big success” for the country’s efforts to root out terrorism.
Political parties cutting across ideological divide as well as strategic affairs experts also hailed the UN action against the Pakistan-based Azhar, nearly a decade after India first pushed for banning the terrorist, who is the mastermind of several major terror strikes in India.
“It is a big success for India’s efforts to root out terrorism… India’s voice is being heard globally. India’s views cannot be ignored any longer, it has been proved,” Modi said an election rally in Jaipur.
In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry called Azhar’s designation as a UN proscribed terrorist as a step in the right direction to demonstrate the international community’s resolve to fight against terrorism and its enablers.
BJP President amit Shah and several other party leaders credited Modi for Azhar’s listing while the Congress noted its “disappointment” over no mention of JeM chief’s role in the Pulwama terror attack in the UN resolution.
Shah said Modi’s diplomatic efforts led to the United Nation’s decision as he pitched for his “strong and decisive” leadership.
“That is why India needs a strong & decisive leader. Grateful to PM Narendra Modi and his diplomatic efforts that led to the UN designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. It was long over due. This also reflects PM Modi’s commitment towards Zero tolerance against terrorism,” Shah tweeted.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said it was a welcome step but added that the opposition party was disappointed that the UN listing does not mention the Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives, and has no reference to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Pakistan based Masood Azhar’s belated declaration as a global terrorist by UN is surely a welcome step. India’s fight against terrorism is resolute. We are disappointed that UN listing doesn’t mention Pulwama/J&K while listing Azhar’s role in terrorist activities,” he tweeted.
