Chairing a meet at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York on Thursday, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar tore into Pakistan over terrorism and sent a strong message to China. Jaishankar expressed concern over Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, describing it as a development which has implications for both regional and international security.
In a clear reference to Pakistan, Jaishankar said there are some countries that undermine our resolve to fight terrorism. In a veiled attack at Pakistan, Jaishankar told the UN Security Council that terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continue to operate with both impunity and encouragement in the neighbouring country.
He also said that the world community “must never countenance sanctuaries for terrorists or overlook their raising of resources”. He was actually lambasting Pakistan for not only allowing its soil to be used as a safe haven for terrorists but also for financing the terror outfits. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action putting Pakistan on grey list for financing terror is clinching evidence that supports Jaishankar’s observation made at UNSC.
Jaishankar added, “Events unfolding in Afghanistan have naturally enhanced global concerns about their implications for both regional and international security. The heightened activities of the proscribed Haqqani Network justify this growing anxiety.” He went on to say that in India’s immediate neighborhood, ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K) has become more energetic and is constantly seeking to expand its footprint.
While raising the Afghan situation vis-à-vis terror organisations active there, Jaishankar also gave a message to China which has expressed willingness to recognize the Taliban regime once it comes into existence officially and formally. His message to China was also clear when Jaishankar asked the global community not to be selective in terms of terrorism. He said that terrorism should not be glorified. It was during an emergency meeting of UNSC on Afghanistan two days back that China had objected to Pakistan not being allowed. Beijing had blamed India for Pakistan being disallowed in the meeting.
The Daily Guardian had reported on Wednesday that India is set to expose Pakistan and China nexus at UNSC. Moreover, TDG has widely reported how India has been worried about Afghanistan turning into a safe haven for terror outfits such as LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network, etc.
While addressing a high-level UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts, Jaishankar not only hit out at Pakistan, but also disapproved of what is happening in Afghanistan.
He also called on the global body not to take a “selective view” on the scourge of terrorism and to have the courage to call out the “double speak” of those who extend state hospitality to individuals “who have innocents’ blood on their hands”. “Whether it is in Afghanistan or against India, groups like LeT and JeM continue to operate with both impunity and encouragement,” he added.
“When we see state hospitality being extended to those with innocents’ blood on their hands, we should never lack the courage to call out their double-speak,” Jaishankar said in an obvious reference to Pakistan.
In fact, Jaishankar also impressed upon the global community to deal firmly with terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Jaishankar said terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned. There cannot be any justification, regardless of motivations, he asserted. The United Nations Security Council cannot afford to be complacent about the activities of terror groups active in Afghanistan, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Haqqani Network, he said.
He also drew parallels between the Covid-19 pandemic and the scourge of terrorism, “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.”
India recognises that terrorism cannot be and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, the minister said, adding that the world must never compromise with the evil of terrorism. “We, in India, have had more than our fair share of challenges and casualties. The 2008 Mumbai attack, the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack and the 2019 suicide bombing of our policemen at Pulwama. We must never compromise with this evil,” Jaishankar told the United Nations Security Council.
The radicalisation of vulnerable youth by systematic online propaganda campaigns remains a serious concern, Jaishankar said, referring to terror recruitment. He added, “ISIS’s financial resource mobilisation has become more robust. Rewards for killings are now even being paid in Bitcoins.”