External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday addressed a high-level UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security by terrorist acts. Recalling the terror threats faced by India over the years, Jaishankar said there must never be any compromise with this evil.
New Delhi, India, August 20 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who was addressing a high-level UN Security Council briefing on Thursday, outlined an eight-point action plan for consideration to collectively eliminate the scourge of terrorism which includes summoning of the political will and refraining from justifying or glorifying terrorism. Recalling the terror threats faced by India over the years, Jaishankar said there must never be any compromise with this evil.
‘MUST NEVER COMPROMISE’
“We, in India, have had more than our fair share of challenges and casualties. 2008 Mumbai attack,2016 Pathankot Airbase attack, 2019 suicide bombing of our policemen at Pulwama. We must never compromise with this evil,” Jaishankar said.
In the backdrop, the foreign minister reminded us that the world will be observing the fourth International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism, day after tomorrow. Next month will also be 20 years of 9/11 tragedy in New York, he said.
Talking about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, Jaishankar said that the events unfolding in the country have “enhanced” global concerns about their implications for both regional and international security.
‘LASHKAR, JAISH OPERATE WITH IMPUNITY
“In our own immediate neighborhood, ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K) has become more energetic and is constantly seeking to expand its footprint. Events unfolding in Afghanistan have naturally enhanced global concerns about their implications for both regional and international security,” he said.
The EAM said whether it was Afghanistan or India, terror outfits like LeT & JeM continue to operate with both “impunity” and “encouragement”.
“Increased activities of proscribed Haqqani Network justifies this growing anxiety. Whether it’s Afghanistan or India, LeT & JeM continue to operate with both impunity and encouragement,” he said.
‘NONE OF US ARE SAFE UNTIL ALL OF US ARE SAFE’
Jaishankar said what holds true of Covid is even more true of terrorism — none of us are safe until all of us are safe.
“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. It is also important therefore to end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India has championed for so long. We reiterate our full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN,” he added.
‘REWARDS FOR KILLINGS NOW EVEN BEING PAID IN BITCOINS’
The financial resource mobilisation of ISIS has become more robust, S Jaishankar said, emphasising that the flow of funds has continued for the dreaded terror group and rewards for killings are now even being paid in Bitcoins. He said the latest report of the Secretary-General has provided another stark reminder that ISIS continues to pose a critical threat to international peace and security.
“ISIL (Daesh) remains active in Syria and Iraq and its affiliates are growing in strength, particularly in Africa. The financial resource mobilization of ISIL (Daesh) has become more robust. The flow of funds has continued and rewards for killings are now even being paid in Bitcoins!” he said.
‘RADICALISATION OF YOUTH ONLINE A SERIOUS CONCERN’
Jaishankar said the radicalisation of vulnerable youth by systematic online propaganda campaigns remained a serious concern.
He said ISIS’ modus operandi has changed, with the core focusing on regaining ground in Syria and Iraq and affiliates functioning independently.
“This evolving phenomenon is extremely dangerous and poses a new set of challenges to our collective efforts in our fight against ISIL and terrorism,” Jaishankar said.
‘INDIA AT FOREFRONT OF GLOBAL COUNTER-TERRORISM EFFORTS’
The External Affairs Minister said India has been at the forefront of global counter-terrorism efforts, has taken part in all major global initiatives against international terrorism and is a party to all United Nations’ sectoral conventions relating to terrorism.
“We were pleased to play our role in strengthening the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted last month. We reiterate our full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN,” he said.
‘NO DOUBLE STANDARDS’
Jaishankar outlined an eight-point action plan for consideration to collectively eliminate the scourge of terrorism which includes summoning of the political will and refraining from justifying or glorifying terrorism.
“No double standards. Terrorists are terrorists; distinctions are made only at our own peril,” he said.
“Don’t place blocks and holds on listing requests without any reason, discourage exclusivist thinking and be on guard against new terminologies and false priorities,” he said.
He also underlined the need to “enlist and delist objectively, not on political or religious considerations. “Recognise the linkage to organised crime. Support and strengthen the FATF, and provide greater funding to UN Office of Counter Terrorism,” he added.
Jaishankar called on the UN Security Council to collectively build on these principles.
“It is also important to end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India has championed for so long,” he said.
