Par Committee concerned over safety of Indians in Afghanistan

New Delhi, May 7 (PTI) A Parliamentary committee Friday
expressed grave concern over the safety of Indians working on
developmental projects in Afghanistan and asked the government
to take measures for strengthening security for them.
In a report tabled in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of
Indian Parliament), the Standing Committee on External Affairs
Ministry said India's presence in Afghanistan was significant
particularly in the context of emerging geo-political
situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"The Committee appreciates India's continued engagement
and commitment towards rebuilding of Afghanistan. However, the
Committee is gravely concerned about the security scenario and
safety of Indian citizens and personnel working on
Indian/India-sponsored projects in Afghanistan," it said.
It said the security concerns hamper the efficiency of
the work force immensely. "Therefore, the Committee urges upon
the government to strengthen its security apparatus and ensure
safety for personnel working on Indian projects not only in
Afghanistan but also on other projects in various countries as
well," the report said.
It noted that the government was also of the view that
deterioration of security situation in Afghanistan had
adversely affected the security environment for Indians
working in that country.
On this matter, the Indian government is in regular touch
with the Afghan government, which has assured that it will
take all the steps necessary to provide security to Indians in
that country, the Committee said citing the government's
response.
It said the Afghan government has provided local security
to India's major projects besides which advisories are issued
outlining precautions necessary for the Indians.
The Committee also expressed deep concern over the fact
that the Indian project to construct Parliament building for
Afghanistan was facing huge cost and time overrun and was of
the view that it could have been avoided if government had
taken timely measures.
It said that in order to avoid such a situation in the
future, the government should evolve a mechanism which could
ensure the completion of the project in a time-bound manner.
The Committee appreciated India's efforts to construct
the Parliament building in Afghanistan, saying the
"prestigious project" would go a long way in cementing ties
between the two countries besides building image of India.
The government responded by saying that it had taken a
number of steps to ensure completion of the project within the
stipulated time of 36 months. PTI AKK
MRD


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