Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

India Calls for Continued Support to Afghanistan in Fight Against Terrorism

India Calls for Continued Support to Afghanistan in Fight Against Terrorism

KABUL -India Permanent Representative at the UN Syed Akbaruddin has stressed the need for continued international community support to Afghan security forces in fight against terrorism.
Addressing Quarterly debate on United Nation Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the Indian envoy said the support and safe havens enjoyed from beyond Afghanistan’s borders by groups such as the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, Da'esh, as well as Al Qaeda and its proscribed affiliates, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, must be addressed.
“Having been victims of terrorism, we understand and empathise with our Afghan friends the suffering and pain they are undergoing” he said.
“Amidst the clouds of uncertainty of the present, we should not forget the precious gains that the Afghan people have made in the last 18 years,” the envoy said.
The Afghan people have strengthened and embraced democracy; established a constitutional order; promoted the welfare and rights of minorities and youth; built a strong and increasingly capable security force; and forged deeper regional links.
All of this, they have done so, while confronting the most brutal threats posed by terrorism.
Even in the most difficult times, the famed Afghan resilience and strength of character shines through in their homes, schools, colleges, theatres, markets, factories, and indeed on their sports grounds.
Lest anyone doubt this, Afghan cricketers recorded, just less than 48 hours ago, their second victory in their cricket test match that they have played thus far. Such a feat was last accomplished by any other country way back in the 19th century.
This is only one instance, symbolic of the many gains that the Afghan people has made in recent times. Other areas include the remarkable reclamation by Afghanistan’s women of their rightful place in all areas of their society. These hard-won achievements need to be nurtured, not nullified, the envoy said.
Akbaruddin said that India has worked with commitment to support the Afghan people through human resource development, including a recent capacity building program for officials from Afghan electoral bodies. This is in addition to support for infrastructure development, trade and investment, as well as enhancing connectivity.
“We believe that there is hope on the horizon. We remain willing to work with all countries in the region and beyond, keeping Afghanistan's sovereignty and its ownership of the peace process at the forefront,” he said.
“We hope that the international community, through this Council and its various instruments, can finally do right by the people of Afghanistan and support an inclusive peace which will ensure that the destiny of the country will be steered by the Afghan people,” he said.   (Pajhwok)