RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2733
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2017
DECLARING SYED SALAHUDDIN AS GLOBAL TERRORIST
2733. SHRI AMAR SINGH:
(a) whether it is a fact that Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin has recently been declared as specially designated global terrorist by Government of United States of America, on a specific request from Indian Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof and its effects on the activities of Salahuddin;
(c) whether it is also a fact that Salahuddin was emboldened enough to participate soon thereafter in a television interview where he leisurely promised more terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir; and
(d) if so, Government's reaction thereto?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI M.J. AKBAR)
(a) On 26 June 2017, during the visit of Prime Minister to the US, the US Department of State designated Syed Salahuddin, leader of the militant group Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The Media Note issued by the
State Department in this regard inter alia states "Under Salahuddin’s tenure as senior HM leader, HM has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which injured 17 people.” There
is close cooperation between India and the US on combating terrorism including through designation of terrorist entities and individuals.
(b) According to the State Department media note issued in this regard, "As a consequence of this designation, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with Salahuddin and all of Salahuddin’s property and interests in property subject
to United States jurisdiction are blocked.” Further, according to the media note, this action "notifies the U.S. public and the international community that Mohammad Yusuf Shah, AKA Syed Salahuddin, has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing,
acts of terrorism. Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of
other nations.”
(c) In an interview broadcast on a Pakistani TV channel Geo News on 02 July 2017, Syed Salahuddin inter alia threatened more attacks in India including in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
(d) On 03 July 2017, in response to a query regarding the aforementioned interview, the Official Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs stated that: "The brazen admission by Syed Salauddin of perpetrating terrorist attacks on India and having the capacity
to carry out such attacks at any place and time in India is a further proof of Pakistan’s continuing policy of cross border terrorism. His confession of assistance in such activities from Pakistan also affirms the complicity of Pakistan’s state structure in
using terrorist proxies as a matter of policy against the neighbours. The interview only highlights the unabashed manner in which terrorist organizations and leaders enjoy freedom of operations in Pakistan, including access to terror financing and procurement
and supply of weapons for terrorism. It is a matter of deep regret that senior Pakistan functionaries continue to justify and defend the activities of such internationally designated terrorist entities and leaders who are responsible for killing thousands
of innocent civilians over the past three decades. Pakistan must give up its policy of cross-border terrorism, fulfil its obligations under international resolutions and stop all activities of terrorists from the territory under Pakistan’s control.”
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