China Again Blocks Azhar’s Listing as Terrorist By UN; India Miffed

In a new rebuff to India, China on Friday finally blocked its proposal to get Pakistan-based JeM chief and Pathankot mastermind Masood Azhar banned as terrorist by the UN, evoking a sharp reaction from New Delhi which accused it of "double standards" in dealing with terrorism.

With China blocking New Delhi's proposal just a day before expiry of Beijing's "technical hold", India or any other country has to now make a fresh listing request for Azhar to be banned by the global body otherwise it will remain as permanent block, officials said.

China had twice imposed "technical hold" on the Indian proposal since its submission. The block by China is also seen by many here as an action taken at the behest of its "all-weather ally" Pakistan.

India said it will continue to push forward with resolute determination "through the use of all options available with us to bring perpetrators of terrorist violence to justice".

"The inability of the international community to list its leader Masood Azhar is an unfortunate blow to the concerted efforts to effectively counter all forms of terrorism, and confirms prevalence of double standards in the fight against terrorism," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. The decision by Beijing is "surprising" as China itself has been affected by the scourge of terrorism and has declared opposition to all forms of terrorism, the Spokesperson added.

UN Sanction Committee's listing would have forced imposition of asset freeze and travel ban on Azhar by countries including Pakistan.