Targeted killings in Afghanistan aimed toward suppressing freedom of expression: MEA

India on Thursday described the focused killing of journalists and civil society members in Afghanistan as an try to suppress freedom of expression and pitched for an “immediate and comprehensive” ceasefire to put the bottom for a significant peace course of within the nation.
Expressing deep concern over the killings, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava stated India stands with the individuals of Afghanistan of their journey in the direction of peace and these assaults are opposite to the spirit of the peace course of and will instantly cease.
Asked about National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s two-day go to to Afghanistan, Srivastava stated at a media briefing that his discussions with Afghan leaders centered on bilateral relations and the Afghan peace course of.
Doval referred to as on President Ashraf Ghani, and held talks with Afghan peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah, Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib, Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar and former president Hamid Karzai.
“In the past few weeks, we have received inputs of several attacks on journalists and civil society activists in Afghanistan. The targeted killing of journalists and civil society members, aimed at suppressing the freedom of expression and informed discussion on critical issues related to peace and governance, is of deep concern,” Srivastava stated.
He stated individuals of Afghanistan lengthy for a peaceable future and India stands with them.
“An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire will lay the ground for a meaningful peace process to establish a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Afghanistan. India stands with the people of Afghanistan in their journey towards peace,” he stated.
The MEA spokesperson stated India has invested closely in peace and improvement in Afghanistan and it helps all efforts to convey peace and stability there.
“The peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. India is an important stakeholder and we look towards a peaceful, prosperous, sovereign, democratic and united Afghanistan,” he stated.