India condemns terror attacks in Afghanistan, calls for immediate cessation of violence

Terming it as “crimes against humanity”, India strongly condemned multiple terror attacks that took place in Afghanistan, including those on a maternity hospital in Kabul, on a funeral procession in Nangarhar, and on a military check post, in last two days.

Fourteen people, including two newborn babies, were killed at a maternity hospital in west Kabul after it was attacked by militants on Tuesday, May 12. In a separate attack in Nangarhar province, an explosion took place at a funeral procession earlier in day that killed at least 24 people and injured over a dozen.

"India strongly condemns barbaric terrorist attacks against incent civilians, including women and children, at Dasht-e-Barchi hospital maternity ward, funeral in Nangarhar province and army check post in Laghman province on 11-12 May," Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

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MEA said India stands with people, government, and security forces of Afghanistan in ir efforts to bring peace and stability to nation.

" holy month of Ramzan should be a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. We call for an immediate cessation of terrorist violence and cooperation to deal with humanitarian situation arising from spre of coronavirus in Afghanistan," statement furr ded.

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Consecutive attacks in Afghanistan

Taliban, however, distanced itself from terror attack on maternity hospital in Kabul that ended after a five-hour-long gun battle with security forces and death of four militants. According to Afghanistan Interior Affairs Ministry, 72 civilians, including children, were rescued.

In Nangarhar, a funeral procession was targetted with an explosion that killed at least 24 people and left more than a dozen wounded earlier on same day. 

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In light of attacks, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has ordered forces to switch from "active defensive" mode to "offensive" mode and to resume attacks on Taliban. Haneef Atmar, acting Foreign Minister, condemned attacks and said that such actions will make nation lose faith in ongoing peace process. He also called on all parties to stop attacks, begin intra-Afghan talks, and make way for a permanent ceasefire in country.

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(With inputs from ANI; Im credits - PTI)