India Calls Terror Attacks in Afghanistan Crimes Against Humanity

India strongly condemned the multiple terror attacks that took place in Afghanistan; including those on a maternity hospital in a Shia-dominated area in Kabul; on a funeral procession in Nangarhar, and on a military check post, in the last two days. Further, the MEA said India stands with the people, government, and security forces of Afghanistan; in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the nation. Consequently, the Ministry of External Affairs termed the attacks as “crimes against humanity”.

In light of the attacks, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has ordered the forces; to switch from “active defensive” mode to “offensive” mode; to resume attacks on the Taliban. Haneef Atmar, acting Foreign Minister, condemned the attacks. He said that such actions will make the nation lose faith in the ongoing peace process. Atmar also called on all parties to stop the attacks. He encouraged all parties to begin intra-Afghan talks; make way for a permanent ceasefire in the country.

In MEA’s press release, India further said there could be “no justification for such continued acts of terrorism”; that the “perpetrators of such heinous acts and their sponsors and supporters should be held accountable and brought to justice”. The MEA concluded by saying, “The holy month of Ramzan should be a period of fasting, prayer and reflection. We call for an immediate cessation of terrorist violence and cooperation to deal with the humanitarian situation arising from the spread of Coronavirus in Afghanistan”.