Place Akhundzada under UN sanctions regime
Voicing serious concern on the deteriorating security scenario in Afghanistan, India's demand for United Nations sanctions against the new Taliban chief Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada is considered timely action which represents the country's stand on global proliferation of terrorism. India must pursue it and take up the issue with major terror-affected nations like the US, China and the European Union. Highlighting the terror that a proscribed entity like Taliban has wrought on Afghanistan for more than two decades showcases India's strategic empathy towards its neighbour.
Besides, being a long partner in promoting peace and bringing tranquility to Afghanistan since the havoc created by the rule of the Taliban under Mullah Omar in 1991, India's strategic and diplomatic moves in the sub-continent and at global forums has supported the return of a democratically elected establishment in that country. Hence the recent stand at the UN has once again buttressed India's commitment to civilian administration and friendship with Afghanistan, against Pakistan's policy of engaging and sponsoring terror elements like the Taliban, the Haqqani Network etc by providing safe haven in the latter's territory.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin stated on Tuesday at a Security Council debate on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan that it's a sheer folly that the leader of a banned organisation is not yet named as a terrorist. It is surprising that the UN has not listed Akhundzada in the list of terrorists who heads an organisation that has brought endless terror and violence not only against the people of Afghanistan but also spread the message ofjihad beyond the borders of the country. These groups and individuals who are ceaselessly fighting against the Afghan state and its people from within the territory of the country, should not be allowed to do so. Further, Taliban-like organisations should not be permitted to wield influence and exercise control over any part of Afghanistan.
With India's emphasis on the effective implementation of the Security Council sanctions regime including the 1267 ISIl/Al-Qaeda sanctions and 1988 Taliban regime will act as a deterrent to the listed entities and individuals. Keeping the country's sustained campaign against global terror, particularly the terror incubated in its neighbourhood, India had slammed the UN sanctions committee for taking selective approach while dealing with terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan. At a time when Taliban is mounting attacks across Afghanistan including the top secured places in and around Kabul, action from the UN Security Council is warranted.
As the UN Secretary General's report goes, the number of violent incidents by Taliban and other groups this year has exceeded the record of 2015 and, hence, it calls for a more effective armed action against these groups. Else the efforts made by the current Afghan Government and a continued yearn for living in peace by the people of that country will fail. The Taliban under Akhundzada may again strengthen its fighters as only a few thousand American forces remain in Afghanistan; therefore, a renewed focus on enhanced engagement and action by the international community is needed.