India strongly condemns terror attack on a Shia Mosque in Afghanistan

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Nirendra Dev

New Delhi: India, on October 11, Monday, strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a Shia Mosque in Kunduz, Afghanistan, in which more than 100 Afghans were reported to have lost lives and several others injured.

"We extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims during their difficult time," an MEA statement said.

It said: "India stands committed in the fight against the scourge of terrorism and reiterates the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan. We stand with the people of Afghanistan and hope that perpetrators of this attack would be identified and brought to justice expeditiously."

Initial media reports said that a suicide blast ripped through a Shia mosque in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 46 people and injuring 143 others. The attack occurred during Friday prayers at the Sayed Abad mosque in Kunduz.

A Taliban spokesperson also has said that security forces were on the scene, and an investigation was underway.

Notably, the ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the blast, according to a statement released by the group. It said that a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest among Shia worshipers inside a mosque during Friday Prayers in Khan Abad district of Kunduz.

The bombing came days after another mosque was targeted in central Kabul, killing at least seven people. The attack on Monday targeted the gates of the Eidgah Mosque in the Afghan capital, where a funeral service was being held for the mother of Taliban spokesman Muhajid.

The Islamic State affiliate IS Khorasan (ISIS-K) had claimed responsibility for Monday's bombing as well. The situation in Afghanistan has not given any confidence to the global community.

At the invitation of the Italian Presidency of the G-20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the G-20 Extraordinary Leaders' Summit on Afghanistan on October 12, Tuesday, in virtual format. The G-20 Italian Presidency is convening the Summit. The agenda of the meeting will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs of Afghanistan and access to basic services and livelihood; security and the fight against terrorism; and mobility, migration 
and human rights, an MEA release said here.

The Taliban regime is trying hard for international recognition, but for its part, it has not done to invite such recognition. The condition of women remains a matter of deep concern in Afghanistan despite pressures from the international community.

The UNSC resolution under India's presidency in August had called for ensuring an inclusive regime in Afghanistan.

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