Pakistani fighters, Taliban directed to target Indian-made assets in Afghanistan
With the Taliban joining Afghanistan by a large number of Pakistanis, their fighters have been instructed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to target India-made assets in the war-torn country over the past several years.
The Indian government has invested more than USD 3 billion in Afghanistan’s reconstruction effort over the past two decades and the 218-km road between Delaram and Zaranj Salma Dam; And the Afghan Parliament Building, which was inaugurated in 2015, is one of the biggest symbols of Indian contribution to the Afghan people.
According to estimates and inputs, more than 10,000 Pakistanis have entered the war zone in Afghanistan to openly support the Taliban’s attack against the Afghan government led by Ashraf Ghani.
Government sources monitoring Afghanistan told ANI that according to inputs, Pakistani and Taliban fighters have been sent with specific instructions to target Indian-made assets and remove any sign of Indian goodwill there.
India had made a huge contribution in the field of education in Afghanistan and played a big role in training its teachers and support staff.
Pakistan-backed Islamic terrorist groups, including the Haqqani network, have been highly active against India there for years.
The Indian side is also confused on whether they will be allowed to maintain their presence in Kabul as so far no assurances or signals have been given by the ultra-radical Islamist group which has been seen as anti-India.
Indian agencies are also closely monitoring the situation at the Kabul airport, which is not going to be under US security for very long. Several airfields owned by the Americans, including Bagram Airport, which have been vacated by the ongoing power struggle with the Taliban.
Indian workers engaged in civil work have also been asked to move out. Indian public sector company WAPCOS had some executives for dam projects. India had also recently announced works worth about USD 350 million, including the Shahut Dam, to provide drinking water to the city of Kabul.
(with ANI inputs)
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