Nirendra Dev
India is holding the presidentship of UNSC for August 2021 and hoped that the parties concerned would address humanitarian and security issues.
New Delhi: India has sought to preempt Pakistani designs vis-à-vis its possible influence on the Taliban and said there ought to be "zero tolerance for terrorism", and terror groups should not use Afghanistan lands.
There should be "zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and it is ensured that the territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten or attack any other country. Then Afghanistan's neighbours and the region would feel safer," India's Permanent Representative at UN, TS Tirumurti, said, presiding over a special session on the latest Afghan situation at the UNSC.
These remarks could upset certain quarters – who have traditionally supported the Taliban and their frontline and violence-prone designs.
Tirumurti said, "As a neighbour of Afghanistan, as a friend of its people, the current situation prevailing in the country is of great concern to us in India."
At the emergency meeting of UNSC following the fall of Kabul, India's envoy said, "Afghan men, women and children are living under a constant state of fear. They are uncertain about their future. Everyone is concerned about the increasing violations of the fundamental rights of the Afghan citizens. Afghans are worried about whether their right to live with dignity would be respected," he said candidly.
"There are many unanswered questions. We hope that the situation stabilises soon," he said.
India also hoped that the parties concerned would address humanitarian and security issues.
"We also hope that there is an inclusive dispensation which represents all sections of Afghan society. Voices of Afghan women, aspirations of Afghan children and the rights of minorities must be respected," he said, sharing global concerns that minorities and women could be at the receiving end of Taliban high handedness as in the 1960s.
Tirumurti said, "A broad representation would help the arrangements in more acceptability and legitimacy. The current situation in Afghanistan has numerous challenges".
Incidentally, India is holding the presidentship of UNSC for August 2021.
However, he said the present situation could also open up "few opportunities if there is a zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."
India's envoy said, "Afghanistan has already seen enough bloodshed in the past."
He underlined it is time for the international community to come together unitedly, rising above any partisan interests to support the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability, and security in the country.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar landed in New York on Tuesday.
He will chair two high-level meetings of the UN Security Council – on UN peacekeeping and terrorism.
He will also participate in a ceremony at the UN Peacekeeping memorial along with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
