‘UN veto on Masood Azhar doesn’t convey drive to end terrorism’

Naidu also said Pakistan should give up its “old habit” of finding fault with India and stop “aiding and abetting” terrorism so that the two countries can have close ties. “I do not know the reason why China blocked the proposal to ban Azhar. He is a notorious terrorist and should be banned,” the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister told reporters here. 

“Today it is India, tomorrow it may be your (China) turn,” he added. India had on Saturday slammed China’s virtual veto to prevent the banning of Pathankot terror strike mastermind Azhar, saying it “does not reflect well on the determination that the international community needs to display to decisively defeat the menace of terrorism.” 

The statement, however, did not mention China by name. Asked about claims by Pakistan that there was no evidence with India about its abetment of terror, Naidu said there is enough evidence against the neighbouring country and “they should leave their old habit of finding fault with India.” 

“If Pakistan puts a full stop on aiding, abetting, training and funding terrorists, India and Pakistan can come much closer, work together, since both the countries were once one and were separated for reasons,” he said. 

“India wants to have good relationship with Pakistan,” Naidu said. He claimed that for the first time in the history of United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of terrorism and said it was unfortunate that UN was still unable to define terrorism. 

The entire world and international community should come together and crush the danger and menace of terrorism, Naidu said. Naidu, meanwhile, rejected reports that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said those unwilling to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ had no right to stay in the country. “He (Fadnavis) did not say so. I know that. This is wrong information,” he said. 

On the fatwa issued by Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband against the ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ chant, Naidu said it was unfortunate that controversy was being created over nationalistic slogans.