National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon has reached Kabul and holding parleys with Embassy officials about the security of 4000 Indians working on developmental projects across Afghanistan. During his two-day visit, he will meet President Hamid Karzai and some other leaders of Afghanistan. In the wake of last week's Kabul attack, Indian government has certain proposals for the security of its personnel and these will be discussed by Mr. Menon with the Afghan authorities. The proposals include setting up of protected venues where the Indians working on projects could be housed. There are also suggestions for deploying security personnel at places where Indians work. The sources said Afghan government has always been cooperative in this regard and expressed confidence that it would take further steps to upgrade security of Indians. As part of India's 1.3 billion dollar assistance, about 4000 Indians are working on various projects in areas like healthcare, power, education and social sector. The review of their security has been necessitated after last Friday's attack in two hotels in Kabul, targeting Indians specifically. Seven Indians, including three Major rank army officers, were killed and nine others, including five army officers were injured in the attack. Besides discussing security, Mr. Menon is also expected to enquire about the progress of investigation into the incident.<br/><br/>Afghan authorities have said the attack was carried out by Lashkar-e Taiba. However, investigators suspect involvement of Taliban faction of Haqqani too.<br/>
News On AIR | March 5, 2010 2:49 PM
Menon arrives in Kabul for discussions with Afghan leaders on security of Indians