New developments have emerged in the ongoing Afghanistan security situation where India has urged citizens in Afghanistan’s Mazar-e-Sharif depart back home. For this, a special flight is set in place by the IAF. The development comes a day after Congress leader demanded the Centre to help evacuate Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan.
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The ongoing security crisis in war-torn Afghanistan is not unbeknownst to most. After US ordered the massive troop pull-out from Afghanistan, Islamic militant organization Taliban has been occupying major provinces of Afghanistan, has already secured multiple borders of the landlocked country and in process, killed several people. The Afghanistan forces have been finding it difficult to curb the Taliban forces and amid these issues, India recently urged its citizens living in Mazar-e-Sharif to leave the country.
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Indian Consulate Urges Indians to Board Next Special Flight
On August 10, the Consulate General of India in Afghanistan’s fourth largest city Mazar-e-Sharif asked Indian citizens to board a special flight arranged by the Indian Air Force which will be leaving to New Delhi on August 10 evening. The consulate took to Twitter to say that whoever would want to leave Afghanistan must tell their names, passport numbers and other relevant details through the numbers shared in the tweet.
The official Twitter handle’s tweet said, “A special flight is leaving from Mazar-e-Sharif to New Delhi. Any Indian nationals in and around Mazar-e-Sharif are requested to leave for India in the special flight scheduled to depart late today evening.”
(1/2) A special flight is leaving from Mazar-e-Sharif to New Delhi. Any Indian nationals in and around Mazar-e-Sharif are requested to leave for India in the special flight scheduled to depart late today evening.
— India in Mazar (@IndianConsMazar) August 10, 2021
Congress’ Appeal to Centre for Hindus & Sikhs Evacuation
Earlier on Monday, Congress leader Jaiveer Shergill asked External Affairs minister S. Jaishankar to plan and execute a evacuation mission for Hindus and Sikhs currently residing in Afghanistan. In his letter, Shergill wrote-
“As you are more than aware, the Taliban offensive has escalated in Afghanistan, post-US withdrawal of troops, and they are fighting at gunpoint to turn the country, once again into a hub for transnational terrorism,”
“These people, fearing for their lives, have appealed to the Government of India for their immediate evacuation,”
-the letter further read, as quoted by PTI.
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Afghanistan Top Media and Information Head Killed
The ongoing security situation in Afghanistan is growing grim by the day with now Taliban militants showing their wrath to various high profile Afghani government officials. The Taliban militants recently assassinated Afghanistan’s Media and Information head in Kabul. Dawa Khan Minapal was assassinated in Afghanistan capital Kabul days after Taliban warned that it will now start targeting senior political leaders as a retaliation for the air raids against them. It should be noted that Minapal also served as President Ghani’s spokesperson.
Afghanistan Radio Station Manager Killed, Journalist Abducted
Meanwhile, reports have emerged claiming that Taliban fighters have assassinated Afghanistan radio station manager and have abducted a journalist. The attack is the latest in the long line of attacks launched by Taliban over journalists and other media workers.
According to reports, alleged Taliban militants shot down Paktia Ghag radio’s station manager Toofan Omar. The gunmen also assassinated NAI officer. For the unversed NAI is a group that advocates the right of free and independent media in Afghanistan. According to reports, Taliban militants seized another journalist Nematullah Hemat from his home.
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As Many As 30 NAI Reporters Killed, Kidnapped or Abducted
However, Reuters reported that a Taliban spokesperson spoke to its people and claimed that he had no information on the recent killing and abduction of journalist. While it still remains to be seen whether or not Taliban takes responsibility of the act, it has been reported that at least 30 of NAI reporters have been either killed, wounded or kidnapped by multiple militant groups that have wrecked violence across Afghanistan this year.
