Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 29: India on Monday strongly denounced Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory, describing the attacks as a blatant violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty that resulted in heavy civilian casualties, including women and children.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the military action and said the strikes posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
The MEA said Pakistan's actions reflected a continuing pattern of irresponsible conduct and accused Islamabad of attempting to divert attention from its internal challenges through military operations beyond its borders.
India also extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attacks and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Reiterating New Delhi's long-standing position, the ministry affirmed India's unwavering commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The statement came after Taliban authorities confirmed that Pakistani military aircraft carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan's eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar on Sunday night.
Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said the strikes killed at least 36 civilians and injured 163 others, while also destroying several residential houses.
According to Fitrat, one of the attacks targeted a civilian home in Mandokhail village of Paktia's Tsamkani district, killing an elderly man and a child and injuring several members of the family.
He further alleged that a second airstrike hit the same area when villagers gathered to assist the victims, resulting in the deaths of 28 more civilians and injuries to 158 others.
In another incident, a residential house in Walust village of Paktika's Gayan district was reportedly struck, killing six people, most of them women and children.
Fitrat also said an airstrike in Barolo village of Kunar's Manogai district caused extensive damage to a civilian residence.
Earlier in the day, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attacks, describing them as a "cowardly act of aggression" and accusing Pakistan of violating Afghanistan's territorial sovereignty.
The reported airstrikes have further heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries, with India joining international voices expressing concern over the loss of civilian lives and calling attention to the need to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty and regional stability.