India strongly condemns Pakistan air strikes on Afghan territory
New Delhi, June 29
The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday stated that India strongly condemns Pakistan's air strikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in several civilian casualties, including women and children.
"India strongly condemns Pakistan's air strikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in several civilian casualties, including women and children. This blatant act of aggression by Pakistan is an assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability," stated the MEA.
"It reflects Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders. India conveys its condolences to Afghan families that have lost loved ones, prays for early recovery of those injured and reiterates its unwavering support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it added.
At least 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed, while 163 others were injured in Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces, Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed on Monday.
Citing reports, Fitrat said the attacks carried out on Sunday night in the Gayan district of Paktika, Tsamkani district of Paktia and Manogai district of Kunar by Pakistani forces resulted in the death of 36 civilians and injuries to 163 others, as well as complete destruction of three residential houses.
According to Fitrat, Pakistani forces' jets bombed a civilian residence in Mandokhail village of Tsamkani district, killing one elderly man and a child and injuring several members of the family. He alleged that when local residents gathered to conduct rescue operations, the area was bombed for a second time, killing 28 villagers and injuring 158 others.
Fitrat further said that in the Walust village of the Gayan district, another civilian residence was bombed, killing six individuals, the majority of whom were women and children. Additionally, in the Barolo village of the Manogai district, he said that the airstrike hit a civilian residence, resulting in significant property damage.
Earlier in the day, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces, describing them as a "cowardly act of aggression".
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an international observer, this is a serious violation of international law. Targeting civilians is never acceptable. India's condemnation is appropriate and the world must take note.
Exactly what we all expected from them. They always target innocent people when they can't solve their internal problems. The timing of this is very suspicious too, maybe to divert attention from their own mess.
Our MEA statement is spot on. This "persistent pattern of reckless behaviour" is a phrase that perfectly describes their foreign policy. Afghans are suffering because of these cross-border acts. We should offer more humanitarian aid to the victims.
India's condemnation is justified, but I hope this doesn't lead to further escalation. The people of Afghanistan have suffered enough. The international community needs to step in now.
Again they show their true colours. This is not about terrorism, it's about projecting power and causing chaos next door. India must work with other nations to isolate such behaviour diplomatically.
My heart goes out to the families who lost their children and elders in these attacks. It's sad that innocent lives are always the casualty in these power games. India's statement is firm and correct, but actions speak louder than words.
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