The advisory said special attention is drawn to members of the Indian media travelling to Afghanistan to cover events through ground reports….reports Asian Lite News
The embassy of India in Afghanistan on Saturday reiterated the June 29 security advisory for Indian nationals in the country in view of escalating violence, amid the withdrawal of US military troops.
The advisory asks Indians visiting, staying and working in Afghanistan to exercise the utmost caution with regard to their security and avoid all types of non-essential travel in view of a rising number of incidents of violence in various parts of the country.
In an advisory, the embassy said the security situation in Afghanistan remains “dangerous” in certain provinces and that terror groups have carried out a series of complex attacks, including targeting civilians, adding that Indian nationals additionally face a “serious threat” of abduction.
“It is recommended that all types of non-essential movements be avoided. Movements especially during peak commuting hours should also be avoided. While traveling on roads, maintain distance from possible targets like military convoys, vehicles of government ministries/ offices, high ranking officials, law enforcement agencies, and avoid visiting crowded markets, shopping complexes, mandis, restaurants, and other public places,” it said.
The advisory said special attention is drawn to members of the Indian media travelling to Afghanistan to cover events through ground reports.
“As recent tragic events showed, it is essential that all Indian press-persons covering events on the ground establish contact with the Public Affairs & Security Wing of this Embassy for a personalized briefing including specific advice for the locale they are traveling to,” the advisory said referring to the recent killing of photojournalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Danish Siddique in Afghanistan.
“This will not only help media persons make a better assessment of the risks involved but also make it easier for the Embassy to render speedy assistance if needed,” it said.
Night curfew imposed
Afghan authorities on Saturday imposed a night curfew across 31 provinces across the country in an attempt to curb surging violence.
People will not be allowed to get out of their homes from 10 pm to 4 am except for emergency, while Kabul, eastern Nangarhar Province, and the northern Panjsher provinces have been kept out of the new decree, The Khaama Press reported citing the Interior Ministry of Afghanistan.
The Interior Ministry also said that most of the “terror activities” are carried out during the night and that had led them to impose such unprecedented limitations.
Deputy spokesperson of Afghan Interior Ministry Ahamd Zia Zia has also asked people in 31 provinces to cooperate with the Afghan Forces and abide by the rules of night curfew, The Khaama Press reported.
Taliban now control about half of the 419 district centers in Afghanistan. As the Taliban seize more territory in the country, the security forces are consolidating their positions to protect key population centres, including Kabul. (ANI)