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In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations on Wednesday designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him.
The UNSC designation will subject Masood Azhar to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo.
The declaration came after China removed its hold on the proposal, which was moved by France, UK and the US in the Security Council’s 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February. The proposal was moved just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by JeM.
"Big, small, all join together. Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in @UN Sanctions list. Grateful to all for their support," India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin tweeted and apprised the nation of the development.
After Masood Azhar was deignated as global terrorist, reactions from political leaders began pouring in.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jailtey said, "India stands vindicated. Masood Azhar is now a global terrorist. India is in safe hands. This marks a high point for the Prime Minister's foreign policy."
National President of Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit Shah tweeted,"That is why India needs a strong & decisive leader. Grateful to PM @narendramodi 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."
Sunil Deodhar, BJP state in-charge of Tripura, wrote on Twitter, "Great victory for India. Masood Azhar designated as Terrorist in UN Sanctions list."
Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Sambit Patra tweeted, "Big victory for India indeed."
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, on Twitter wrote, "I congratulate the Indian diplomatic corp for the tireless work that has led to this significant victory - it is the first step in ensuring Masood Azhar pays for his crimes. We demand Pakistan immediately arrest him, freeze his assets and shut down all organisations linked to him."
MP for Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor wrote on Twitter, "It's taken us 10 years, but it's finally done. Masood Azhar is on the @UN's terrorist blacklist. I had asked in February. Is China the world's biggest enabler of terror? They answered 'yes' in March, but finally did the right thing in May!"
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson on Twitter wrote, "Big victory for Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji in the battle against Pak-sponsored terrorism. Yet another evidence of how PM Modi has spearheaded the global war on terror over the past five years. A diplomatic surgical strike against the perpetrator of Pulwama attack!"
