India condemns terrorist attack in Kabul; MEA says 'unite to fight terrorism'

Soon after attack on a political rally in Kabul on Friday, India has strongly condemned it. Releasing a statement, Ministry of External Affairs has called it a heius attack and has extended heartfelt condolences to relatives of deceased and injured. Earlier in day, gunmen attacked a remembrance ceremony for a mirity Shiite leader Abdul Ali Mazari in Afghanistan's capital Kabul. At least 27 people were killed on Friday, in deadliest assault in Afghanistan since US signed a withdrawal deal with Taliban.

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Here's full statement

India strongly condemns heius terrorist attack at event commemorating Shaheed Mazari in Kabul

March 06, 2020

India strongly condemns heius terrorist attack at event commemorating Shaheed Mazari in Kabul today, where a number of senior political leaders were present.

We express heartfelt condolences to relatives of deceased and injured and to Government and people of Afghanistan.

international community must unite in fight against terrorism and hold perpetrators and sponsors of terrorism to account.

New Delhi
March 06, 2020

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attack highlights glaring lack of security in heavily fortified Afghan capital just 14 months ahead of scheduled withdrawal of all foreign forces under an agreement signed on February 29 by US and Taliban. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said women and children were among dead with an additional 29 wounded, adding that "special forces units are carrying out clearance operations against attackers". Rahimi had earlier said that gunfire had erupted from a construction site near ceremony in city's west, which is largely Shiite.

Afghanistan: 27 killed, several injured as gunmen attack political rally in Kabul

Taliban denies responsibility

Taliban immediately denied responsibility for assault, which occurred at commemoration ceremony for Abdul Ali Mazari -- a politician from Hazara ethnic group, most of whom are Shiite. An Islamic State group-claimed attack on same ceremony last year saw a barr of mortar fire kill at least 11 people.  ceremony was attended by many of country's political elite, including Afghanistan's chief executive Abdullah Abdullah. interior ministry later confirmed to reporters that "all high-ranking officials were safely evacuated from scene".

incident comes less than a week after US and Taliban signed a deal that would pave way for complete withdrawal of foreign troops in 14 months. US withdrawal hinges to a great extent on Taliban being able to control jihadist forces such as Islamic State group. If such groups remain, so too does American military. Since much-trumpeted deal signing, fighting has continued to r across Afghanistan, casting a pall over hopes agreement would lead to a reduction in violence and talks between Taliban and Afghan government.

(with PTI, AP inputs)

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