KABUL: Indians In Afghanistan Advised To Avoid Non-Essential Travel Due To Violence

KABUL: The Indian embassy in Afghanistan
on Tuesday issued an advisory strongly asking all Indian nationals to avoid all
types of non-essential movements in view of escalating violence, including on civilians,
in various parts of the country.

The
embassy said the security situation in Afghanistan remains
“dangerous” in several provinces and that terror groups have
escalated violent activities and carried out a series of complex attacks
including on civilians, adding Indian nationals are no exceptions as they
additionally face a serious threat of kidnapping.

It said
travelling outside the main cities should be avoided and that any essential
movement may be kept as discrete as possible.

“The
security situation in Afghanistan remains dangerous in several provinces.
Terror groups operating in Afghanistan have escalated violent activities and
carried out a series of complex attacks in various parts of Afghanistan,
including targeting Afghan defence and security forces and Afghan government
institutions and even civilians,” the embassy said.

“Indian
nationals are not exceptions, and they additionally face a serious threat of
kidnapping,” it said.

Afghanistan
witnessed a series of attacks in the last few weeks as the US looked to
complete the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan by September 11, ending
a nearly two-decade of its military presence in the war-ravaged country.

“In
recent weeks, targeted attacks are on the rise in various provinces and districts,
directed against government establishments and security posts, have seen
civilians caught in the middle of the conflict. Incidents of roadside IED
(improvised explosive device) blasts and magnetic IEDS used to target vehicles
of civilians continue to be reported from many parts of the country,” the
embassy said.

“In
view of the heightened security threats, the embassy asked all Indian nationals
visiting, staying and working in Afghanistan to exercise utmost vigilance and
caution with regard to security at workplace, place of residence and also
during movement to their places of work.

“All
Indian nationals arriving in Afghanistan are advised to register with the
Embassy/Consulates on the website: https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/ or by email
to paw.kabul@mea.gov.in. Those who are already present but have not
registered or not updated their contact details are also requested to do so
immediately,” it said.

It also
strongly advised all Indian nationals to avoid all types of non-essential
movements.

“Movements
especially during peak commuting hours should also be avoided. While travelling
on roads, maintain distance from possible targets like military convoys,
vehicles of government ministries/offices, high ranking officials, law
enforcement agencies,” it said.

The
embassy also advised people to avoid visiting crowded markets, shopping
complexes, restaurants and other public places.

“Any
essential movement may please be kept as discrete as possible. Movements
generally should not have a predictable pattern and timing and routes taken
should be changed wherever possible to maintain an element of surprise. It is
advisable to be in a high state of alertness during essential movements,”
it added.