Jaishankar slams China for terror stand at UNSC

‘Pak-based terror groups LET, JEM operate with impunity, encouragement’

In a swipe at China, India told the UN Security Council on Thursday that countries should not place “blocks and holds” without any reason on requests to designate terrorists, warning that any double standards and distinctions between terrorists would be made only at “our own peril”.

“The international community holds a collective view that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned. There cannot be any exception or justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivations behind such acts,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the UN Security Council.

Jaishankar, President of the UN Security Council, chaired the UNSC Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts.

Speaking in his national capacity, Jaishankar alluded to his remarks to the Council made in January this year when he had proposed an eight-point action plan aimed at collectively eliminating the scourge of terrorism.

“Summon the political will: don't justify terrorism, don't glorify terrorists; No double standards. Terrorists are terrorists; distinctions are made only at our own peril; Don't place blocks and holds on listing requests without any reason,” he said. This was in reference to China, a permanent member of the UNSC, repeatedly placing technical holds on bids by India and other nations to designate head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-emohammed Masood Azhar.

“Let us always remember that what is true of Covid is even more true of terrorism: none of us are safe until all of us are safe,” Jaishankar added.

On Pakistan

Jaishankar also said terror groups like the LET and JEM continue to operate with both impunity and encouragement.

“In our own immediate neighbourhood, Isilkhorasan (ISIL-K) has become more energetic and is constantly seeking to expand its footprint. Events unfolding in Afghanistan have naturally enhanced global concerns about their implications for both regional and international security,” he said.

“Whether it is in Afghanistan or against India, groups like Lashkar-e-taiba (LET) and Jaish-emohammed (JEM) continue to operate with both impunity and encouragement,” Jaishankar said.

“We, in India, have of course had more than our fair share of challenges and casualties. The 2008 Mumbai terror attack is imprinted in our memories. The 2016 Pathankot air base attack and the 2019 suicide bombing of our policemen at Pulwama are even more recent,” he said.

LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WHAT IS TRUE OF COVID IS EVEN MORE TRUE OF TERRORISM: NONE OF US ARE SAFE UNTIL ALL OF US ARE SAFE”

S JAISHANKAR External Affairs Minister