Grade 7𝛂 Times
Weekend Edition
THE BESTSELLING NEWSPAPER AT HSI SCHOOL
Thursday, 26 August
INDIA - TALIBAN RELATION OFF TO A PROMISING START
Taliban ready for peace with Global Community
By Manish Ganeshan - Grade 7Alpha Times Chief Author and Editor
Taliban officially took over Afghanistan less than a
week ago and have been making claims and promises
that all sound the right notes. However, locals and the
global community remain sceptical over these claims.
This especially holds true for India as the nation owns
substantial stakes in Afghanistan in terms of joint
infrastructure. India also has huge security ramifications
as the Taliban is deemed close to the Pakistan Army and
the Inter - Services Intelligence(ISI).
Speaking about the Taliban’s intent to establish
positive diplomatic ties with all the countries , Taliban’s
spokesperson, Suhail Shaheen said, “My message to the
international community is that we just finished a war and
we are leaving that chapter behind. It’s a new chapter
and the people of Afghanistan need help.” He also stated
that,”All countries of the world should financially assist us
to help the people of Afghanistan build their life and
country. We value good relations with other countries. It is
also their humanitarian compulsion to come for the help
of the people of Afghanistan, 70% of Afghan’s are living
below the poverty line. Also, we have 20 years of war and
destruction and bloodshed. We will appreciate their help
to the people of Afganistan.
When asked specifically about Taliban’s plans
regarding assets that India has already built or are still
under development in Afghanistan, Shaheen said that
India is welcome to complete pro-people projects as long
as it recognises their “people-lead” government.
Shaheen on Taliban’s India policy said
that,”What we were opposing was India’s siding with the
government.  What we have welcome to complete pro-
people projects as long as it recognises their “people-
lead” government. What we have wanted for the last 20
years is that countries, including India, should have a
relation with the people of Afghanistan, and not some
token government. They should also acknowledge the
Afghan people's intention for the liberation of
their country. It was our point and our position
and we have always said that no one should
side with that puppet government. They should
support the people of Afghanistan.” Shaheen
also denied reports that Indian nationals
awaiting evacuation in Kabul were ever
abducted by Taliban.
Shaheen claimed that the Taliban
wanted to stay clear of the rivalry between
India and Pakistan and that the Kashmir issue
will be treated as a bilateral matter.
Indian government said while it is open
to working with Afghanistan to protect the
interests of the people, it does not want to
make a hasty decision. After the two bombings
outside the Kabul Airport the uncertainty in
Afghanistan has increased drastically. India,
the US and other like-minded democracies
agree there’s a need for as inclusive and as
representative a government as possible
under the circumstances in Kabul. People are
unsure about the situation in Kabul and there
is no stable government in the country as yet.
Therefore the Indian spokesperson said that
India has taken a wait and watch stance for
now until the situation becomes more
transparent and stable.
Unknown Source