Taliban Appreciates Indian Projects In Afghanistan, Assures Not To Target Embassy But Cautions On 'Military Role'

Taliban Spokesperson Muhammed Suhail Shaheen said that the outfit is committed to not to target any embassy or diplomat and appreciates all investments that have been done for people of Afghanistan. 

Taliban capturing Afghanistan territory /PTI Photo

New Delhi: As situation between the Afghan forces and the Taliban continues to detariorate with former taking possession over several major cities, India expects a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire in the country. 

India has again and again expressed concern over the security of Indian community present there as well as the fate of projects by India in Afghanistan. Earlier this week, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi even assured that India is in touch with all parties in Afghanistan and is closely monitoring the ground-level situation. The Embassy issued guidelines saying that as  violence has increased in many parts of Afghanistan, commercial air travel services are shutting down in many provinces and cities. 

However, Taliban Spokesperson Muhammed Suhail Shaheen told news agency ANI that the outfit is committed to not to target any embassy or diplomat and appreciates all investments that have been done for people of Afghanistan. 

"There is no danger from our side to embassies & diplomats. We won't target any embassy or diplomat. We've said that in our statements many times. It is our commitment," Muhammed Suhail Shaheen said. 

Speaking on fate of projects by India in Afghanistan, the spokesperson said India has been helping the Afghan people or national projects and that is something which is appreciated.

"We appreciate everything that has been done for people of Afghanistan like dams, national & infrastructure projects & anything that's for Afghanistan's development, reconstruction & economic prosperity for people," the spoekesperson said.

As reported by ANI, on being asked if Taliban can assure India that Afghan soil will not be used against it, Muhammed Suhail Shaheen said, "We have a general policy that we're committed not to allow anyone to use Afghan soil against any country including the neighboring countries." 

"If they (India) come to Afghanistan militarily & have their presence, I think that will not be good for them. They've seen the fate of military presence in Afghanistan of other countries, so it is an open book for them," Taliban Spokesperson Muhammed Suhail Shaheen added.

On being questioned over having deep linkages with Pak-based terror groups, Muhammed Suhail Shaheen reportedly refuted allegations and said that "they're not based on ground realities but on basis of their certain policies towards us, on the basis of politically motivated goals." 

The Taliban were ousted from power by US-led forces in the year 2001. Now, as the US is withdrawing their troops, Talibani fighters have started taking control of different parts of the country. The U.S. has already withdrawn most of its forces and wants to complete the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan by August 31.

Nearly two-thirds of the country's regions have been conquered by Taliban fighters so far. The Taliban on Thursday seized strategically important provincial capital and the country's third-largest city, Herat.