Islamic State presence in Afghanistan a matter of concern

India says the continued presence of the Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan remains a matter of grave concern.

The terrorist outfit employed “despicable acts” of terrorism to demonstrate its power and influence in the country and elsewhere, the Indian ambassador to the UN claimed.

The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported TS Tirumurti, chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee, briefed the UN Security Council session on Afghanistan on Wednesday.

He referred to the 2021 report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which noted links between the Taliban and Al Qaeda remained close and based on ideological alignment.

He was quoted as saying: “The continued presence of ISIL and its activities in Afghanistan remains a matter of our concern.”

Terrorist attacks had become despicable acts used by this terrorist organisation to demonstrate its power and influence in the country and abroad, Tirumurti remarked.

The main objective behind the 1988 sanctions regime was to facilitate conditions that promoted dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government the diplomat explained.

“Although events of August 2021 do create a new situation, the need for peace and stability in Afghanistan remains a key goal of this (sanctions) committee,” the ambassador remarked.

He added the committee supported a travel ban exemption for listed Taliban leaders to attend talks that are in the interest of promoting the prospect for peace in Afghanistan.

“I would, however, remind that the travel ban exemption is for this purpose and this purpose only,” the ambassador maintained.

He said more than 30 listed members of the Taliban had been given senior cabinet slots. He underlined efforts to minimise the accrual of benefits to them from aid to the Afghans.

Source: Pajhwok