India hints at Pak role in Kabul attack

Embassy blast: Government assures safety of staff

 
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, on her return from a two-day visit to Kabul, said: “The attack was clearly the handiwork of those who are desperate to undermine Indo-Afghan friendship and do not believe in a strong, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan.”

“The international community and indeed the people of Afghanistan face a clear and present danger from the perpetrators of such wanton acts of terrorism and their patrons residing across the border,” she said.  While Rao did not name Pakistan or any other country, the hint was more than apparent.

Condemning the attack on the Indian embassy, she said the scourge of terrorism must be resolutely opposed, resisted and overcome through undiluted commitment and effort by the international community.

India, she said, would not be deterred by such acts and its unwavering commitment to pursuing bilateral development partnership and assisting the people of Afghanistan in realising a democratic, peaceful and prosperous country would continue.

On-the-spot assessment

Rao made an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused to the Chancery premises and its surrounding areas, and met the officers and staff of the embassy, including the members of the ITBP contingent, two of whom sustained shrapnel injuries, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement here.

Complimenting their bravery, resoluteness and dedication for work, she assured them that the government would take all possible measures to ensure their safety, security and welfare.

Rao met President Hamid Karzai, Foreign Minister Dafdar Rangeen Spanta and National Security Advisor Zalmai Rassoul during her visit.  All of them assured her that the government of Afghanistan would do all in its power to expeditiously investigate the dastardly attack and bring to justice the perpetrators and those behind the attack, the MEA statement said.