India condemns Kabul attack, says it was aimed at Indians and Afghanis

New Delhi, Feb.26 (ANI): India on Friday condemned the Kabul attack which targeted residential facilities and killed nine Indians besides other some other persons of Afghanistan and third world countries.

India expressed its deep concern saying it is clearly aimed against the people of India and the people of Afghanistan.

A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday evening said: "There has been a heinous terrorist attack in Kabul today morning targeting a few residential facilities used, among others, by Indian nationals. As per the preliminary information provided by Afghan Government officials, up to nine Indians, besides a few others from Afghanistan and third countries, have lost their lives. The deceased Indians include Government officials. A few Indians have been injured, most of whom are reported to be out of danger."

"Arrangements are being made for their adequate and expeditious treatment, if necessary, by evacuating them to India. Further details are being ascertained," it added.

"India strongly condemns the attack. This is the third attack on Indian officials and interests in Afghanistan in the past 20 months. The attacks on the Embassy of India in July 2008 and October 2009 had claimed the lives of Indian diplomats and officials and several Afghan nationals. These barbaric attacks are a matter of deep concern and are clearly aimed against the people of India and the people of Afghanistan. These are the handiwork of those who are desperate to undermine the friendship between India and Afghanistan, and do not wish to see a strong, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan. The international community and the people of Afghanistan face a clear danger from the perpetrators of such acts of terrorism and their patrons. The scourge of terrorism must be resolutely opposed, resisted and overcome through undiluted commitment and effort by the international community," the statement further stated.

Meanwhile, Indian Government has extended its sincere condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in the dastardly attack, including the families of the Indian officials who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

"Though the irreplaceable loss of these families can never be recompensed, all necessary steps will be taken for the welfare of the dependants of the deceased officials. Government is in close touch with the Government of Afghanistan on all aspects concerning the safety, security and welfare of Indians in that country," the official statement further stated.

According to unconfirmed reports, an ITBP official, who was posted in a one of the Indian consulates, is also believed to have died in the attack. (ANI)