Though the details of the meeting were not shared, it is leant that the government’s highest decision making body discussed the tense security situation there, reports Asian Lite News
Amid the evolving situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the meeting.
Though the details of the meeting were not shared, it is leant that the government’s highest decision making body discussed the tense security situation there.
The government’s priority is to safely evacuate the remaining Indians left there and also ensure the security of Hindus and Sikhs there.
India has initiated various development projects in Afghanistan both by the government and the private sector and their future hangs in the balance due to the political developments in that country.
The main challenge for travel to and from Afghanistan is the operational status of Kabul airport, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said.
In view of the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, the government decided that the Embassy personnel in Kabul would be immediately moved to India. This movement has been completed in two phases and the Ambassador and all other personnel reached New Delhi on Tuesday.
“We have been issuing periodic travel and security advisories for all Indian nationals in Afghanistan, given the deteriorating security situation there. Those already in Afghanistan were urged to return immediately while others were advised not to travel there,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
“Nevertheless, we understand that a number of Indians are stranded in that country, some of whom are employed by third country organisations. Our immediate priority is to obtain accurate information about all Indian nationals currently present in Afghanistan. They and/or their employers are requested to urgently share the relevant details with the MEA’s Special Afghanistan Cell,” the statement added.
“As regards Afghan nationals, our visa services will continue through an e-Emergency visa facility, which has been extended to Afghan nationals. We have already received requests from Afghan Sikh and Hindu community leaders, and we are in touch with them,” the MEA said.
Deve Gowda urges Centre to act ‘humane’ on Afghan crisis
Describing the ongoing chaos in Afghanistan as a “difficult moment for India”, Janata Dal (S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Tuesday appealed to the Central government to respond in a “humane manner”.
Taking to Twitter, Gowda, who served as Prime Minister from June 1, 1996, to April 21, 1997, said India should develop an independent policy towards Afghanistan, which has now come under the Taliban.
“Reports from Afghanistan show how fear and uncertainty have gripped the country. It is a difficult moment for India and the entire region,” the Rajya Sabha member said.
“We have to respond in a human manner besides developing an independent policy of fostering friendship and peace in our neighbourhood,” the JD-S supremo added.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the Afghanistan crisis, Karnataka’s Energy and Kannada and Culture Minister, V. Sunil Kumar in his tweet stated that the inhuman Taliban has taken over the Afghanistan capital, leading to the suspension of women’s rights and the taking over of a radio station that now broadcasts Quran instead of music.
“Such fanaticism is exceeding the extreme limits. I pray for the defeat of fanaticism and the return of democracy,” Kumar said, slamming the Talibani regime in his tweet.
Iran to make efforts to stabilise Afghanistan: President Raisi
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that his country would make serious efforts to stabilise Afghanistan as the country’s government fell on Sunday and the Taliban took over the control, a media report said.
“The military defeat and pull out of the US from Afghanistan must be turned into an opportunity to revive life, security and sustainable peace in the country,” Tehran Times quoted Raisi as saying.
“Iran will make efforts for the stability of Afghanistan as today’s first need, and as a neighboring and brotherly country invites all groups to agree on a national consensus,” Raisi added, Tehran Times reported.
Tehran has been closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, the Taliban in the first presser announced that “soon they will reach a settlement through which an Islamic government will be established in the country.
The terror group entered Kabul on Sunday and took control of the presidential palace as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
Taliban leaders have been discussing future government plans in Doha after gaining control of Kabul.
“We want to establish a government that includes all sides,” Taliban spokesperson Mujahid Zabiullah said, adding that they want an end to the war.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Taliban had announced a “general amnesty” for all Afghan government officials and urged them to return to work.
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