Taliban leadership tussle, India concerned |
There are conflicting reports of internal rifts and kidnapping within the Taliban as it took over the reigns of Afghanistan and leadership positions in government were being established. Reports Taliban leader Mullah Baradar had been taken hostage during infighting. Reports also spoke of the death of Haibatullah Akhundzada, called the Supreme Leader of the Taliban. There is no official confirmation. Reportedly the Haqqani network emerged victorious. Notably, Pakistani intelligence agency ISI supports the Haqqani network. Baradar put out a written statement on TV after the conflict at the Afghan Rashtrapati Bhavan, that experts said was done under pressure. The USA and many countries expected Baradar to head the interim regime. But, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund was made the caretaker prime minister of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, India`s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India was seriously concerned about the Taliban take-over and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. It had implications for the region, and India is monitoring not only the political developments but also the humanitarian needs of the people. Shringla reiterated the UN Security Council resolution on Afghanistan, adopted on August 30, that Afghan territory not be used for sheltering, training, planning, or financing terrorist acts; and specifically the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. Speaking at the JP Morgan `India Investor Summit` Shringla also referred to the relations with China. He said Chinese attempts over the last year to unilaterally alter the status quo in Ladakh have seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the border areas. He said India has made it clear to the Chinese side that peace and tranquillity in border areas is essential for the development of our relationship. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Saudi Arabia`s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on 20th September, and also discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Modi conveyed his special thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for looking after the welfare of the Indian diaspora there during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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