India condemns twin blast in Afghanistan that killed 63 civilians; says attacks targeted democratic rights of Afghanis

New Delhi, April 23: At least 63 innocent civilians were killed while a hundred others were wounded after the bombings took place at voter registration centres in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and in Baghlan province. Hours after, India condemned the barbaric act of terrorists and said that this is not only an attack on innocent civilians but also an attack on the democratic rights of the Afghan people.

 

Notably, Indian External Affairs Ministry released a statement and said, “India strongly condemns the cowardly and barbaric terrorist attack in Kabul and Baghlan.” “What makes this attack particularly reprehensible is the fact that the terrorists and their backers chose to attack a voters’ registration centre for the upcoming parliamentary and district council elections,” the statement added.

External Affairs Ministry further said, “The attack has resulted in the death of Afghans who firmly support and believe in the democratic process to empower themselves and make their voice heard. This is not only an attack on innocent civilians but also an attack on the democratic rights of the Afghan people.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the victims, and we wish quick and complete recovery to the injured. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance, including for treatment of those injured,” the statement concluded.

As many as 57 people were killed in Kabul when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the doorway of an ID distribution centre. Hours after the attack, six more people were killed in Baghlan's Pul-e-Khumri city, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb near another voting centre.

The Kabul bombing occurred in the Dasht-e-Barchi area where majorly Shia Hazara minority reside. Meanwhile, the most dangerous terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed the responsibility of the attack in Kabul but no group has claimed responsibility for the Baghlan blast yet.

Importantly, the attacks have multiplied in recent days as parliamentary and district council elections scheduled for October 20 this year. Last month on the occasion of Persian New Year, a suicide bomber killed at least 26 people in Afghanistan.