Recent developments in Afghanistan have attracted wide attention and evoked concern all over. The fall of Kabul to the Taliban forces on 27 September was a turning point. It led to the brutal murder of former President Najibullah and his brother. It was all the more shocking because they were under the charge of the UN, which was honour bound to protect them. Both the Government of India and I have expressed our revulsion at this tragic development.

The pursuit of obscurantist doctrine by the Taliban leadership and the consequent denial of human rights, especially the rights of women, have been extensively condemned. The implications of these events have been assessed, especially the risk of an adverse impact on India's security. We continue to follow developments in Afghanistan very closely and evaluate their implications for us.

The situation in Afghanistan continues to be fluid. The opposing parties facing each other in battle are the Taliban and the forces of the Supreme Council for the Defence of Afghanistan (SCDA) which comprises the forces of the government of General Rashid Dostum and of Hizb-e-Wahdat leader Karim Khalili. Fronts in the vicinity of Kabul and in the western part of Afghanistan continue to be tense and witness sporadic activity. After a period of quiet, there are recent reports of renewed heavy fighting north of Kabul. The onset of winter will increase the difficulties faced by the people and enhance their need for humanitarian assistance.

We have maintained contact with the legitimate Afghan Government, led by President Rabbani. Though we had to withdraw our embassy on 27 September 1996, the Afghan Embassy continues to function in Delhi. As hon'ble members know, recently President Rabbani met our Prime Minister during his visit to Rome for the Food Summit. We also sent a delegation led by a secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs to Mazaar-e-Sharif on 10 November to meet General Rashid Dostum. We remain in contact with countries that take an interest in Afghan affairs. There is recognition that India has vital interest in Afghanistan and, therefore, a role to assist in the restoration of peace and tranquility there. As is known, India was invited by Iran to participate in a regional conference organised by them in Tehran in October. Unfortunately, Pakistan chose to oppose our participation, but in the face of Iranian refusal to oblige, it did not participate in the conference.

Subsequently, the UN secretary general had convened a meeting of senior officials and experts from 19 countries, who had knowledge, interest and influence regarding Afghanistan. India was invited and we participated in the meeting, which was held on 18 November. India has also been invited to take part in a UN sponsored international forum on assistance to Afghanistan. We have confirmed our participation. The venue of this conference has not yet been finalized. The initial proposal to hold it in Peshawar had to be given up because of Pakistan's objection to India's participation.

The significant elements of our position on the Afghanistan situation are:

India fully supports the unity, independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan. These are essential for the well-being of the Afghan people and given Afghanistan's strategic location, for the peace and stability of the entire region. 

A cessation of foreign interference in Afghanistan is an essential prerequisite for the resolution of the situation.

There could be no military solution. The situation has to be resolved through peaceful discussions and negotiations between Afghan parties. A special responsibility devolves on Afghan leaders to forsake the path of confrontation and conflict and pursue peace, which will lead, to reconciliation, renewal and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

We fully support the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General and those of his special representative in bringing peace to Afghanistan. The UN Special Mission on Afghanistan has pursued its task with patience and commitment. India is prepared to play its full part in supporting their efforts.

The cessation of violence and armed hostilities and the demilitarization of Kabul would provide the right conditions for the political process. These should be actively pursued.

A cessation of arms supply to Afghanistan is required. The effective implementation of this idea would have to be carefully worked out.

The growth in drug trafficking and terrorism, which is a result of conflict in Afghanistan, are matters of concern.

Even during the uncertain conditions, we have continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, which we will continue. This has been in the form of medicines, foodstuff and clothing. We also conducted a month-long camp in Kabul in August--September, 1996, for fitting artificial limbs on persons who had lost their limbs, mostly on account of land mines. Over 1100 such limbs were fitted in the camp.

We have recently seen credible reports in the international media on the Taliban handing over terrorist training facilities to the Harkat-ul-Ansar. It is reported that at these training camps, Pakistani and other youth are being trained for terrorist activities in Kashmir. I may assure the hon'ble members that the Government of India and the people of our country continue to sustain their vigil and are taking all necessary steps to safeguard the country's security.

Our interaction with Afghanistan is constructive and positive. It is not directed at any other country. Its purpose is to assist in bringing peace and stability to a country with which we have civilizational affinities and are bound by ties of brotherhood, friendship and cooperation.