India considering all options for banning Masood Azhar

New Delhi [India], Jan. 6 : With China remaining adamant on its stand to block India's move to designate Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the United Nations, India is examining all options with other co-sponsors for the same.

According to sources, "India is examining all options and also consulting with the other co-sponsors in the matter.

China had earlier blocked discussions on the issue on two occasions, first for six months followed by a second one for a period of three months ending Dec 31 - after which India has to file a fresh application to get the Pakistan-based Azhar listed as a terrorist by the UN.

Earlier this week, Beijing defended its position was "professional and objective". UN Sanctions Committee's listing would have forced imposition of asset freeze and travel ban on Azhar by countries including Pakistan.

China was the only member on the 15-nation UNSC Sanctions Committee to have opposed India's application.

Source: ANI