China Blocks India’s Move Seeking Action Against Pak On Lakhvi; India Takes Up Issue At Top Level

23 June, New Delhi

China has blocked India’s move in the UN demanding action against Pakistan over release of Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in violation of a resolution of the world body.

PTI quoting UN official sources said, the UN Sanctions Committee met in New York at India’s request and a clarification was to be sought from Pakistan over Lakhvi’s release in the 26/11 trial but the Chinese representatives blocked the move saying India did not provide sufficient information.

In a letter to the current Chair of the UN Sanctions Committee Jim McLay, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Mukherjee last month had said Lakhvi’s release by a Pakistani court was in violation of the 1267 UN resolution dealing with designated entities and individuals associated with terror groups.

Meanwhile, India has taken up the issue with China at the highest level after it blocked move at the United Nations for action against Pakistan over Lakhvi’s release. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said this in New Delhi in response to a question on China’s Statement in UN. He said New Delhi had taken up the issue of violation of the 1267 sanctions regime in respect of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. He said, India’s concerns in the matter were conveyed to the Chair of the 1267 Committee and the issue was raised bilaterally with the other member of the Committee.

A Pakistani court had on April 9 set free Lakhvi, a development which India said “eroded” the value of assurances repeatedly conveyed to it by Pakistan on cross-border terrorism. The release of Lakhvi had also raised concerns in the US,UK, Russia, France and Germany with Washington calling for him to be re-arrested.