Taliban didn’t want India to evacuate Kabul embassy staff: Sources
Taliban leader Sher Mohammed Abbas Stanekzai reached out to the Indian side with a surprise request, asking India to retain its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan.
FollowAs India began evacuating all diplomats from missions in Afghanistan, The Taliban did not want India to evacuate diplomats from its Kabul embassy as the militant group had received orders from Qatar office to assure safety of Indian staff and security personnel.
Taliban leader Sher Mohammed Abbas Stanekzai reached out to the Indian side with a surprise request, asking India to retain its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan.
This request came just ahead of India evacuating around 200 people – including its envoy, diplomats, security personnel and citizens–in two military flights on Monday and Tuesday.
He conveyed to the Indian side in his informal message that the group was aware of Indian concerns regarding the security situation in Kabul following the Taliban takeover on Sunday, but that it should not worry about the safety of its mission and diplomats in the Afghan capital, the people said.
After a quick assessment, given the security situation and intel suggestions, India decided that there was threat from these terror groups, the decision was made to remove diplomats and personnel.
Also read: Taliban target Indian consulates; MEA updates 24x7 special Afghanistan cell
According to reports, people familiar with developments said once these reports were received, no chances could be taken with the safety of diplomats and other officials in Kabul as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given instructions that the security and return of the Indians was of paramount importance.
45 Indian personnel were evacuated on Monday - they were stopped by Taliban sentries en route to the airport, and personal belongings were confiscated.
The remaining personnel - over 120 of them, including Ambassador Rudrendra Tandon - were evacuated on Tuesday.
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