Sushma Swaraj raises Lakhvi issue with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

25 June, Kathmandu

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Thursday raised with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, the case of Beijing blocking India’s move in the United Nations for action against Pakistan over Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi’s release.

In the meeting held on the sidelines of the International Donors conference in Kathmandu, Mrs Swaraj said that China’s move was at variance with progress in ties.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Mrs Swaraj conveyed to her Chinese counterpart that Lakhvi was no ordinary terrorist as he masterminded the Mumbai attacks in which more than 166 people were killed.

Mrs Swaraj said that both India and China have been victims of terrorism, therefore there should be no distinction made between good terrorists and bad terrorists.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesman also said that Wang has assured Mrs Swaraj that China opposes all forms of terrorism and that he will look into the matter.

At a meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee, last week India had sought action against Pakistan for Lakhvi’s release in the 26/11 trial in violation of a UN resolution, but China blocked the move on grounds that New Delhi did not provide sufficient information.

Lakhvi was released from a Pakistani jail in April this year.