China breaches counter-terrorism guideline again; world awaits to see China’s next move on Makki

At the recent BRICS meeting of national security advisors, the Chinese were very gung-ho about fighting terrorism. ​Days later, after the virtual meeting of the NSAs, at the United Nations, China blocked efforts to ensure action against Pakistan-based Abdul Rehman Makki under the UN Security Council\s Al Qaeda and ISIL sanctions committee also known as the 1267 Committee.

Srinjoy Chowdhury

Photo : iStock

New Delhi: At the recent BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) meeting of national security advisors, the Chinese were very gung-ho about fighting terrorism. There were strong words about counter-terrorism, there was reassurance that terror had to be fought. 

Days later, after the virtual meeting of the NSAs, at the United Nations, China blocked efforts to ensure action against Pakistan-based Abdul Rehman Makkiunder the UN Security Council\s Al Qaeda and ISIL sanctions committee also known as the 1267 Committee. 

Yes, the Chinese have done it before, when it came to Maulana Masood Azhar, head of the Jaishe Mohammed, even when his outfit was sanctioned. But this comes in the wake of all the tough statements at the BRICS meeting and is therefore a bit of a surprise. 

China knows it has been 'two-faced,' according to sources about Makki. China is aware of Makki's CV. Sanctions against Makki, initially proposed by the United States and India this month, would have put China's friend, Pakistan, under more pressure. For, Makki is not just a man with an AK-47 and a handful of grenades, he is a planner, being deputy chief and head of political affairs of the Lashkare Toiba. He has been part of the LET's foreign relations department, a member of the Shura or governing body and of its central team. His brother-in-law is a certain Hafiz Sayeed, probably the world's most infamous man. 

So, what has Makki been doing? Besides raising funds and recruiting people, Makki has been at the forefront of planning attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. As a senior functionary of the LET he has planned the following attacks: 

* 26/11 in Mumbai 

* On the Red Fort in December 2000 

* On the CRPF camp in Rampur in January 2008 

* In Karan Nagar-Srinagar in February 2018 

* In Khanpora-Baramulla in May 2018 

* In Srinagar in June 2018 and 

* In Gurez and Bandipora in August 2018 

Pakistani authorities arrested him in May 2019 and kept him under house arrest in Lahore. The next year, he was found guilty of terror financing and imprisoned. But it could well be a fig-leaf and five-star terrorists have been known to receive five-star hospitality in jail. 

So, what happens now? The "hold" can last six months, which means that Makki gets free reign till December. It is to be seen whether China decides on a second "hold" as it is entitled to or whether it will decide that it means what it said at the BRICS meeting. 

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/china-breaches-counter-terrorism-guideline-again-world-awaits-to-see-chinas-next-move-on-makki-article-92386132