Afghanistan

New Delhi, May 18 (UNI) Asserting that it would not be cowed down by acts of terrorism in Afghanistan, the government today said it would propose concrete steps for the safety and security of about 2000 Indian nationals working in that country.

''The government and people of India will never bow to acts of terrorism and will continue their fraternal assistance to the people of Afganistan in their endeavour to bring peace, stability and economic recovery to their country ravaged by years of conflict,'' Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed told the Rajya Sabha.

In a written reply in the Upper House, Mr Ahamed said there were approximately 2000 Indian nationals working in Afghanistan at present.

He said the Centre was in close touch with the Afghanistan government to share India's concern on the recent kidnapping and killing of two Indians.

Giving details of security measures, the minister said a security advisory was issued by the Indian Embassy in Kabul to all Indians and their companies working in Afghanistan soon after the killing of a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) official in November 2005.

He said additional ITBP personnel had also been deployed at the BRO's road project location.

''The Embassy has held meetings with representatives of Indian companies to emphasise the need for observing security precautions strictly. All Indians working in Afghanistan have been urged to register themselves with the Indian Embassy at Kabul.'' Mr Ahamed said the Afghanistan government had deployed local police guards at the sites of Indian projects. ''In India, the government regularly reviews security arrangements with ministries concerned and agencies to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals in Afghanistan,'' he said.

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