NIA to investigate Gurudwara attack in Kabul, first case outside India

National Investigation Agency registered a case in the attack by terrorist outfit ISIS on the Dharamshala Sikh Gurudwara on March 26 in Afghanistan's capital Kabul in the Shor Bazar area which led to the death of at least 27 people.

This is for the first time that NIA has registered a case in context to attack outside India. Recent amendments to the NIA Act empowered NIA to investigate terror cases committed at any place outside India affecting the country's interest.

As per the preliminary investigation, one Muhsin from Trikkaripur, Kasargod, Kerala and others who had joined Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) (which claimed the responsibility for the attack), are suspected to have been involved in the said terrorist attack.

National Investigation Agency has registered a case u/s 120B, 125 of IPC and 16,18,20 & 38 of UAPA under the provisions of section 6(8) of the NIA Act and started investigation into the terrorist attack

It was the deadliest attack since a peace deal was signed between the US and Taliban in Doha on February 29 this year, where the US has agreed to completely withdraw its troops from Afghanistan.

The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack. The Council expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and wished for a full recovery to those who were injured in the incident. It also stated that terrorism in all its forms is a threat to international peace and security.

In an official statement, the world body also underlined that perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of these acts of terrorism should be held accountable so that justice can be delivered, and asked all the states to cooperate with Afghanistan and all other relevant authorities regarding the matter.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts," the statement read.

Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar expressed deep concern on reports of blasts. "Deeply concerned at the blasts reported near the cremation site of those killed during the attack on Gurudwara Sahib in Kabul," the minister said in a tweet, adding, "Our embassy has been in touch with Kabul security authorities. Have asked them to ensure adequate security on-site as well as the safe return of families to their homes thereafter."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday expressed his condolences to those killed in the terror attack at the gurdwara in Kabul in Afghanistan.