Taliban declare they’ve ‘proper’ to talk for Muslims in Kashmir

Days after Taliban management stated they needed a cordial relationship with India and Pakistan, the group’s spokesperson Suhail Shaheen claimed that they “have the right” to talk “for Muslims in Kashmir”.

Speaking to BBC Urdu Suhail Shaheen stated, “We have this right, being Muslims, to raise our voice for Muslims in Kashmir, India, and any other country.”“We will raise our voice and say that Muslims are your own people, your own citizens. They are entitled to equal rights under your laws,” he was quoted as saying.Earlier, a prime Taliban chief Anas Haqqani had stated the group wouldn’t intrude with the Kashmir concern and known as for an amicable relationship with India.In an interview with CNN News18, Haqqani stated, “Kashmir is not part of our jurisdiction and interference is against the policy. How can we do against our policy?”The growth got here days after a gathering between the Taliban and the Indian authorities. In the primary formal and publicly acknowledged contact, India’s Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal met senior Taliban chief Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai.India conveyed its issues that Afghanistan’s soil shouldn’t be used for anti-Indian actions and terrorism. Following the assembly, the Taliban was reported as saying that they didn’t need to become involved within the points between India and Pakistan.Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated the federal government’s goal was to make sure Afghanistan’s land was not used for terror exercise of any variety. Based on the result of additional conferences it might be determined whether or not India would recognise a Taliban authorities in Afghanistan or not, Bagchi stated.The Ministry of External Affairs stated the discussions additionally targeted on the protection, safety, and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan and the journey of Afghan nationals, particularly members of minority communities to India.The assembly happened on the Indian embassy in Doha on the request of the Taliban aspect and got here two weeks after the outfit seized management of Kabul. The MEA stated the Taliban consultant assured the ambassador that “these issues” could be positively addressed.Taliban chief Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai had earlier stated Afghanistan shouldn’t be dragged into the interior struggle between India and Pakistan. He additionally reiterated that the nation needed good relations with all neighbours.India has loved pleasant diplomatic ties with Afghanistan for a very long time. This was why India performed an lively function within the nation’s rebuilding course of in Afghanistan over the previous twenty years. India offered much-needed developmental help — each by way of investments and bilateral commerce — to the nation.Afghanistan has at all times been essential for India’s strategic pursuits in South Asia. After Afghanistan was left ravaged in 2001, India helped the nation construct roads, faculties, hospitals, dams, and plenty of different essential initiatives that helped form the nation’s future.Afghanistan is likely one of the few international locations the place India has delivered many useful initiatives, together with the Afghan Parliament constructing that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. The value of constructing it was estimated at $90 million.