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9 Indians among those killed in Kabul suicide attacks
New Delhi, February 26, 2010
At least nine Indians were among 18 people killed and 32 others injured in suicide and car bomb attacks on two guest houses in Kabul which were popular with Indians and other foreigners in the Afghan capital. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna described the attacks as "heinous" and said that, as per the preliminary information provided by Afghan Government officials, upto nine Indians were among those who had lost their lives. He said the deceased Indians included Government officials. He also said that there were a few Indians among those injured, most of whom were reported to be out of danger. The Minister said arrangements were being made for providing them adequate and expeditious treatment, if necessary, by evacuating them to India. He said further details about the incident were being ascertained. India has strongly condemned the attack, the third on Indian officials and interests in Afghanistan in the past 20 months. The attacks on the Embassy of India in Kabul in July 2008 and October 2009 had claimed the lives of Indian diplomats and officials and several Afghan nations, he said.
"These barbaric attacks are a matter of deep concern and are clearly aimed against the people of India and the people of Afghanistan. These are the handiwork of those who are desperate to undermine the friendship between India and Afghanistan, and do not wish to see a strong, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan," Mr Krishna said.
He said the international community and the people of Afghanistan faced a clear danger from the perpetrators of such acts of terrorism and their patrons.
"The scourge of terrorism must be resolutely opposed, resisted and overcome through undiluted commitment and effort by the international community," he said.
The Minister extended sincere condolences, on behalf of the Government, to the families of all those who had lost their lives in the dastardly attack, including the families of the Indian officials who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
"Though the irreplaceable loss of these families can never be recompensed, all necessary steps will be taken for the welfare of the dependants of the deceased officials," he said.
The Government is in close touch with the Government of Afghanistan on all aspects concerning the safety, security and welfare of Indians in that country, Mr Krishna added.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, which has come at a time when the American-led coalition forces have launched a major offensive against militants in the southern Afghan province of Helmland.
Residents in Central Kabul first head a loud explosion around 6.30 am, which was followed by gunfire and two smaller explosions.
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