Published 14:16 IST, November 3rd 2020
Kabul University attack: US envoy calls on Afghan govt, Taliban to unite against terrorism
Following the Kabul University attack, the US peace envoy Khalilzad called on the Afghan government and the Taliban to unite against such “barbaric' attacks.
Following the Kabul University terror attack, the US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called on the Afghan government and the Taliban to unite against such “barbaric” attacks. While condemning the attack that left at least 20 students dead, Khalilzad said together the two parties to the peace talks need to unite for peace and prevent a terrorist organisation from conducting such attacks.
In a series of tweets, the US special representative said, “The terrorist perpetrators are not just against education but are pro-ignorance. They want to breed chaos and instability, terror and poverty. They oppose and fear peace and seek a permanent state of war”.
The Kabul university attack has killed 22 and wounded 22, Afghanistan’s Ministry said as reported by AP. According to the Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesperson, three armed men stormed the campus of the Kabul University on November 2 and launched an attack. The incident took place during the inauguration of a book exhibition on the campus where the Iranian Ambassador to Afghanistan was present along with several other Afghan and Iranian officials. The Ministry spokesperson further informed that attackers were killed in the gunfight while adding that most of the people who lost their lives in the attack were students.
UN Chief, PM Modi condemn the attack
Apart from Khalilzad, UN Secretary-General Antonia Guterres has also strongly condemned the “appalling attack,” stressing that the incident is an assault on the human right to education. Guterres expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. “The United Nations stands by the people and Government of Afghanistan in support of their long-held aspirations for peace,” Guterres said in a statement said.
Taking to Twitter on November 2, PM Modi also 'strongly condemned' the Kabul attack while adding that India will stand by Afghanistan in the current situation. He extended condolences to all the families affected by the attack. "I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack at Kabul University today. Our prayers are with the families of the victims and the injured. We will continue to support Afghanistan's brave struggle against terrorism," read his tweet.
Updated 14:15 IST, November 3rd 2020