India calls for renewed commitment for Afghan peace

New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) India today condemned in ''strongest possible terms'' the terrorist attack at Pul-e-Khumri in Afghanistan yesterday and underlined the need for renewed commitment by the international community for peace in the war-torn country.

The External Affairs Ministry said it was ''deeply saddened'' at the loss of life following the suicide attack.

''We condemn in strongest possible terms such blatant acts of terrorism and the consequential loss of innocent lives...Such acts underline the need for renewed commitment by the international community to the Government and people of Afghanistan in their task of developing a democratic, stable and prosperous nation,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

He said it was particularly reprehensible that Members of Parliament were being specifically targeted and expressed grief that many among the victims of the attack were children.

The Ministry also expressed profound regret at the death in this attack of Mr Mustafa Kazimi, a former Minister of the Government of Afghanistan.

At least 40 people were killed and 120 injured in the suicide attack yesterday. At least six members of the Afghan Parliament were also killed. These included Mustafa Kazimi, a leading opposition figure and former minister in the Hamid Karzai's government.

UNI