Manmohan urges Karzai to protect Indians

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed “outrage” over the killing of at least six Indians in the bomb blasts in Kabul aimed at two guest houses favoured by foreigners.

In a telephonic conversation with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Dr. Singh appreciated the timely medical assistance to those injured in the blast and requested him to ensure full protection of Indians working there on humanitarian projects. Mr. Karzai had called up Dr. Singh to express his condolences on the death of Indian nationals in the attacks in Kabul.

Government sources familiar with the incident said the violence was targeted at “foreigners in general and Indians in particular” at the guest house they were known to frequent.

They also drew attention to the “clear cut” responsibility taken by the Taliban in which the attack achieved two objectives — it killed foreigners; the Taliban was able to strike in the heart of Kabul.

The sources said it was unfortunate that the car bomb that exploded near a place frequented by Indians was more potent whereas the two suicide bombers at another location did not claim as many lives of foreigners. An Italian and a French person were among those killed in the attack at the second guest house.

Solidarity with Indians

Afghanistan’s top leadership has expressed complete solidarity with the Indians, with Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul calling up his Indian counterpart, S.M. Krishna, a few hours after the blast. Mr. Rassoul assured Mr. Krishna that Kabul would ensure increased security measures and hoped India would continue to support Afghanistan despite this setback.

Although preliminary assessments do not point to Indians being especially chosen for the attack, sources pointed out that the Indian Embassy in Kabul had been targeted twice. The first attempt in 2008 claimed the worst-ever casualties since 2001 in Kabul. On the second occasion, 17 lives were lost.