Indians’ security in Afghanistan under review

The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has only 300 personnel to guard the Indian Embassy in Kabul, the consulates in Kandahar and Jalalabad and the projects undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Afghanistan. Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood said over phone from Kabul that regular advisories were being sent to firms employing Indians. ‘‘The visiting team will interact with a cross-section of Indians working here and offer recommendations on their security. Action will be taken subsequently,’’ he said.

The team led by Katoch was incidentally the same that had gone to Afghanistan following the killing of Maniappan Kutty, a BRO driver, in November last. Security for Indian workers in government establishments was strengthened after the incident but workers in private concerns, especially with foreign firms, remained vulnerable since it was not possible to deploy forces at all installations where they are employed.

Meanwhile, the ITBP has been put on high alert in Afghanistan following today’s incident which came even before the 6 pm deadline set by the Taliban.

A highly placed official of the paramilitary outfit was of the view that deployment from other organisations may have to be considered if the government decides to send more forces.