Brics names Pakistan based terror groups
XIAMEN: For the first time, Pakistan-based terror groups like the LET and the JEM were named on Monday in the Summit declaration of the BRICS countries that also asserted that those responsible for committing, organising or supporting terror acts must be held accountable.
In a major diplomatic win for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michael Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma in strongly denouncing terror activities of such groups, as they expressed determination to collectively fight the scourge.
The 43-page ‘Xiamen Declaration’, adopted at the end of the fivenation BRICS plenary, stressed on the need for immediate cessation of violence in Afghanistan.
It expressed “concern” over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al-qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-taiba, Jaishe-mohammad, Tehrik-i-taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-tahrir.
At the ninth Summit of the grouping, the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever.
They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.
“We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organising, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable,” the statement said.
Highlighting the primary leading role and responsibility of states in preventing and countering terrorism, the grouping emphasised on the necessity to develop international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of international law, including that of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.
According to officials, Modi raised the issue of terrorism strongly at the BRICS Summit and was joined by other leaders, who expressed willingness to fight this menace.
“For the first time specific listing of terror organisations has been made (in the BRICS declaration),” Secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry Preeti Saran told reporters.
The inclusion of Pakistan-based terror groups in the declaration is also significant as it indicated a slight shift in the Chinese view towards terror groups operating out of Pakistan.
Ahead of the BRICS Summit, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had said, “We noticed that India when it comes to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism, has some concerns. I don’t think this is an appropriate topic to be discussed at the BRICS Summit.”
During the last BRICS Summit in Goa, China did not allow inclusion of Pakistan-based terror groups in the declaration despite the fact that the Summit was taking place within weeks of the Uri terror strike carried out by a Pakistan-based militant group.
However, now it is to be seen that after being part of such a strongly-worded declaration on terrorism and indicting Pakistanbased terror group JEM, how China will act towards the designation of Jaish’s chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.
Currently, China has put a hold on the proposal at the UN’S Sanction’s Committee.