Does India Support Afghanistan's Territorial Integrity While Condemning Civilian Casualties in Border Clashes with Pakistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India supports Afghanistan's sovereignty.
- Recent clashes have resulted in civilian casualties.
- Efforts for a ceasefire have been unsuccessful.
- Both sides accuse each other of violence.
- Ongoing tensions highlight regional instability.
New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) Firmly affirming the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Afghanistan, India on Monday expressed its strong condemnation of the recent violence against civilians amid ongoing confrontations at the Pak-Afghan border.
During a routine media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "We have seen reports of border clashes resulting in the deaths of several Afghan civilians. We unequivocally condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan individuals. India is a staunch advocate for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Afghanistan."
Over the previous weekend, forces from Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in fierce exchanges of fire, each accusing the other of instigating the violence amidst escalating tensions.
The latest clashes, which took place on December 5, came after Saudi Arabia's unsuccessful attempts to mediate a ceasefire between Kabul and Islamabad.
On December 6, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported via social media that Pakistan had initiated attacks in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province late Friday night, provoking a response from Afghan forces.
"Regrettably, the Pakistani side once again launched assaults on Afghanistan in the Spin Boldak district, compelling the Islamic Emirate forces to retaliate," Mujahid announced on X.
Local authorities in Spin Boldak indicated that Afghanistan retaliated robustly against the Pakistani forces following an overnight offensive, according to Afghanistan-based Tolo News. They accused the Pakistani military of targeting civilians, resulting in five fatalities, five injuries, and substantial financial losses for local residents.
Ali Mohammad Haqmal, the head of information for the Spin Boldak district, remarked: "Pakistan targeted civilian infrastructure and the local populace. In these assaults, five individuals have died, and five others have been injured. Pakistan initiated this aggression, prompting a response from Islamic Emirate forces. Although we have ceased fighting, they persist in attacking civilian targets."
A senior official in Quetta, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told leading Pakistani daily Dawn that the exchange of fire began around 10 PM on Friday and persisted into the early morning hours.
According to Muhammad Owais, the medical superintendent of Pakistan's Chaman district hospital, three individuals, including a woman, were admitted with injuries.
Previously, negotiation teams from Afghanistan and Pakistan attempted to resolve the situation through talks facilitated by Turkey and Qatar, but failed to reach an agreement for a potential long-term ceasefire.
The two nations share a tense border that has seen considerable hostilities for over a month, with Islamabad allegedly conducting multiple airstrikes within Afghanistan.