Indian national abducted in Herat province of Afghanistan

New Delhi, Apr 22 (UNI) In the second terrorist incident against Indian nationals in Afghanistan during the past ten days, an Indian was abducted in Herat province in Western Afghanistan, the government confirmed here today.

The Indian national, Sarang Mohammad Naeem, who is working with a private company in Afghanistan, was abducted yesterday night and remained untraced till now, the External Affairs Ministry said.

''We have received with concern reports that an Indian national Sarang Mohammad Naeem working with a private company in Afghanistan, was abducted in Herat Province yesterday night,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

He said the Afghan government authorities are investigating the matter.

''We are keeping a close watch on further developments concerning this incident,'' the spokesman said.

Earlier reports said two Indian road engineers were abducted by suspected Taliban in Herat Province in Western Afghanistan while they were travelling from Herat to Kabul.

No militant outfit had claimed responsibility and no arrests were made so far. However, Taliban insurgents were suspected to be behind the abduction.

The Indian Mission in Kabul was investigating and working with the Afghan authorities to secure their release.

This is the second time that Indians have been targeted in Afghanistan during the past 10 days. On April 12, a suicide attacker blew himself up in front of a road construction team near Zaranj, killing two Indian workers.

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