India gives UN list of 11 Pak-based terrorists

India has submitted to the UN’s sanction committee a fresh list of 11 terrorists from Pakistan-based terror groups affiliated to Al Qaeda, Taliban and other outfits responsible for terrorism in the country. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, while replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, said the government was making continued efforts to have terror groups and individuals targeting India designated by United Nations Sanction Committees.

“On February 18, 2016, a fresh submission of 11 individuals and one organisation linked to terrorism in India, has been submitted to the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee,” the minister added.

Sources were cited by news agencies as saying that the fresh submission includes names of terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits affiliated to Al Qaeda, Taliban and ISIS. However, they did not divulge their names.

The UN Committee covers asset freeze, travel ban, arms embargo and listing criteria for ISIL, Al Qaeda and “associated individuals, groups, undertaking and entities”. It also asks that those responsible for committing, organising or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable. Ms Swaraj noted that India has signed extradition treaties with 40 countries and entered into extradition agreements and arrangements with nine countries. It was the policy of the government to sign extradition treaties, agreements and arrangements with as many countries as possible to bring back from abroad fugitive criminals wanted in India for various criminal offences including those relating to terrorism, the minister added.

Meanwhile, India said it was awaiting a visit by Pakistan’s SIT and other details in connection with the Pathankot terror attack. He said after the Pathankot attack, it was conveyed to Pakistan that it must take firm and immediate action against the organisations and individuals in Pakistan responsible for and linked to the attack.

“This was done at the highest level when Prime Minister received a call from Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif on January 5,” he said.

Pakistani authorities had lodged an FIR in connection with the Pathankot attack on February 18, without naming Azhar.