Stop blaming Pak for terror attacks, give proof on Azhar: Chinese media

BEIJING: India should focus on redrawing its anti-terrorism policy rather than blaming Pakistan without evidence for the Pulwama attack and holding China responsible for blocking efforts to list Jaish-e-mohammad chief, Masood Azhar, as a terrorist at the United Nations also without proof, said Chinese state media.

India has failed to provide “solid evidence” against Azhar and China has rightly practised caution against listing him as a terrorist, the comment piece in the nationalistic tabloid Global Times — affiliated to the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) mouthpiece, People’s Daily -said.

It advised “quiet diplomacy” on India’s part to “better address” the Azhar issue.

“Without solid evidence, India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorist attacks by JEM and other militant groups and China of providing uncritical support for Pakistan,” the article said.

It asked a rhetorical question: “Instead of simply blaming other countries, especially Pakistan and China, shouldn’t the Indian government make more self-introspection on its antiterrorism policy?”

“As for the issue of listing Azhar, Beijing has reiterated its stand several times that New Delhi should provide solid facts and proofs for banning Azhar.”

The article added that China has reason to cautiously handle the issue.

“Observers worry that blacklisting Azhar could be used by India to increase its military pressure on Pakistan, thus risking exacerbating tensions between the two countries.”

It also dismissed the argument that by blocking India’s bid to proscribe Azhar, China was supporting terrorism.