MEA condemns ‘targeted killing’ of civilians in J&K
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday strongly condemned the “targeted killing” of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the attacks reflected its concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
“We strongly condemn the targeted killing of civilians. We are concerned about cross-border terrorism from Pakistan,” said external affairs ministry (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a media briefing.
He added, “We discuss crossborder terrorism at meetings with our partners and what steps the international community should take.”
The principal and a teacher of a government school in Eidgah area of Srinagar were gunned down by unidentified armed men on Thursday, taking the toll from targeted attacks on civilians in Kashmir since Tuesday to five. On Tuesday, Makhan Lal Bindroo, a well-known pharmacy owner, was killed in Srinagar by terrorists.
India has for long blamed Pakistan for supporting, training and arming terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir, a charge denied by Islamabad.
India concerned over Kabul gurdwara attack
Meanwhile, the MEA spokesperson on Thursday said that vandalism at a gurdwara in Kabul by armed men was a matter of concern and the world community must insist on the protection of the human rights of all segments of Afghan society.
Suspected Taliban fighters entered the Gurdwara Karte Parwan on October 5, tied up guards and destroyed CCTV cameras. The men also briefly occupied the building, smashed several locks and conducted a search, triggering concerns within the Sikh minority.
“The reports of vandalism and intolerance raise concerns not just for us, but across the world,” Bagchi said, adding, “It is important that the international community continues to insist on the fulfilment of goals outlined in the UNSC resolution 2593.”
He was referring to a Security Council resolution adopted on August 30, when India held the rotational presidency of the UN body. He said the resolution guides the global approach towards Afghanistan, and states that all countries should ensure Afghan territory isn’t used for terrorism and that the rights of all Afghans are protected.