BJP slams Centre over Kabul attack that killed 6 Indians

Condemning the suicide attacks on two hotels in Kabul that targeted Indians, the BJP today asked the government to explain whether it took up the issue of terrorism with Pakistan in the "right earnest" during the just concluded foreign secretary-level talks.

"It is a strange coincidence that the attack in Kabul took place just a day after the talks between India and Pakistan. Did the government of India take up in right earnest the issue of terrorism with Pakistan as Indians are being targeted inside and outside the country?" BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said here. He said the government should explain what issues were raised regarding terrorism.

Prasad said while people of Afghanistan welcome Indian presence in their country for development of healthcare and infrastructure, "Pakistan does not like the humanitarian aid we are providing".

The BJP leader also slammed the government for its "silence" on the reported statement of Pakistan foreign secretary Salman Bashir that India should not lecture Pakistan on the issue of terrorism.

"The government maintained silence on the irresponsible statement of the Pakistan foreign secretary on Indian soil," he added. The main opposition party also criticised the government for failing to ensure security for the two hotels where Indians were living in Kabul.

"This despite the fact that there had been two attempts to target Indian embassy in Kabul," Prasad said.