India said today the Afghan people are victims of ideological extremism and brutal terrorism, often sponsored from beyond their borders, by elements trapped in regressive doctrine and cynical interests, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
Speaking at Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said India is profoundly troubled by the continuing suffering of Afghan people, a tragedy that has crossed generations. "This has to change," he said.
"Conflict born of extreme radicalism can be contagious, it is in our combined interest to eliminate it, so that Afghanistan and its neighbours can pursue the objectives of peace and prosperity for their people," Akbar said.
Asserting that the Afghan people are being denied both rights and opportunity by fear and violence, he said, "they are victims of ideological extremism and brutal terrorism, often sponsored from beyond their borders, for reasons that they do not always understand, by elements trapped in regressive doctrine and cynical interests."
The minister said India supports strong action to pursue those who still choose the path of terrorism, aided by those who manipulate funds from an illicit narcotics trade to finance terror against innocent people.
"India stands committed to any process which can help Afghanistan emerge as a united, peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, with guaranteed gender and human rights," he added.
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