The Hindu
Thursday, November 24, 2005
India blames Taliban
Diplomatic Correspondent
Maniappan's killing "inhuman and barbaric"
NEW DELHI: India has blamed the Taliban and its "backers" for the brutal kidnapping and execution of Ramankutty Maniappan, whose body was found on Wednesday morning by Afghan authorities near Delaram in Nimroz province.
"We strongly condemn this inhuman and barbaric act against an innocent person. The Taliban and its backers bear the responsibility for the consequences of this outrageous act. We earnestly hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
Since the abduction was confirmed, India had made every effort to seek Maniappan's safe release in cooperation with Afghan authorities. "The Government also worked with its own network of contacts in Afghanistan to this end. Unfortunately, these did not prove of much avail."
Describing Maniappan's killing as a "loss" to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Government saluted the "ultimate sacrifice" he had made to the cause of India-Afghan friendship.
The BRO, the Ministry said, was engaged in constructing the Zaranj-Delaram road, a vital project for the Afghan people. "It is inconceivable that anybody should be opposed to it (the road project) and threaten those working on it."
"The Government of India remains firmly committed to assisting the Government and people of Afghanistan in their quest for economic development and building a stable and prosperous country," the statement added.