Take up Masood Azhar case diplomatically with China: Congress

The Congress on Monday demanded that India take up with China diplomatically the case of declaring Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a terrorist.

The party also expressed concern over reports of diversion of a tributary of the Brahmaputra river by China.

China has announced putting a technical hold on a United Nations resolution declaring Masood Azhar as a terrorist.

"It is imperative that India takes up the case of declaring Masood Azhar a terrorist with China. There is need for a diplomatic initiative to be undertaken," said senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma briefing the media.

"China must also realise that it has the same stakes in peace and tranquility and countering the forces of terror," he added.

Sharma further said: "We are also concerned over the reports of diversion of a tributary of the Brahmaputra. Northeast India needs a firm reassurance that China will continue to honour the Memorandum of Understanding, which was reached between China and India in 2013."

The Congress also stressed that the differences between India and China must be resolved through dialogue.

"There are differences between and India and China on other issues as well, including the one relating to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). It should be resolved through dialogue. We found solution to these issues through dialogue earlier," said Sharma.

"In July, 2008 when the NSG gave India-specific open-ended waiver, the Indo-US nuclear agreement was signed. In that waiver, China as the NSG member voted in favour of this. So, issues can be resolved through dialogue," he added.

Sharma also said that India and China are two major economies of the world and they need to continue building an understanding, which could do justice to the strategic and cooperative partnership.

--IANS

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