Kabul: In the backdrop of the latest
terror attack targeting Indians, National Security Adviser
Shivshankar Menon on Friday met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and
discussed the issue of security of about 4,000 Indians here
for which he carried certain proposals.
Menon, who arrived here this morning on a two-day
visit, held detailed deliberations with Karzai on various
aspects related to safety of the Indians who are engaged in
various developmental and reconstruction projects across
Afghanistan.
Menon also met his Afghan counterpart Rangin Dadfar
Spanta and enquired about the progress in investigations into
the February 26 Kabul attack in which Indians were
specifically targeted.
Seven Indians, including three major-rank officers of
the Army, were killed in the attack that targeted guest houses
frequented by Indians.
Concerned about the safety of its nationals in
Afghanistan after the latest attack, Indian government has
evolved certain proposals for their security.
The proposals include setting up of protected venues
where the Indians working on projects could be housed.
There are also suggestions for deploying security
personnel at places where Indians work.
These proposals can be implemented by the Afghan
authorities.
Sources in Indian government noted that Afghan
government has always been cooperative in this regard and
expressed confidence that it would take further steps to
upgrade security of Indians.
As part of India's USD 1.3 billion assistance, about
4,000 Indians are working on various projects in areas like
healthcare, power, education and social sector.
The attack of February 26 reflected a change of
strategy by the terrorists as they chose soft targets rather
than secure installations like the Embassy or Consulates and
their protected personnel as in the past.
After the terror strike, Karzai assured Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh that his government would take extra measures
to protect Indians.
Besides discussing security, Menon is also expected to
enquire about the progress of investigation into the incident.
Afghan authorities have said the attack was carried
out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, investigators
suspect involvement of Taliban faction of Haqqani too.
PTI
First Published: Friday, March 05, 2010, 21:42