Afghanistan Crisis: Government Calls All-Party Meeting On Thursday

The government has called an all-party meeting on Thursday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the foreign ministry to brief floor leaders of political parties on developments in the war-torn country, foreign minister S Jaishankar has said. India is evacuating Indian citizens stranded in Afghanistan and has been allowed to operate two flights per day from Kabul. India has assured that it would also extend help to Hindus and Sikhs, as well as its friends in Afghanistan who need help.

"In view of developments in Afghanistan, PM Narendra Modi has instructed that MEA brief Floor Leaders of political parties. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi will be intimating further details," Mr Jaishankar has tweeted.

In view of developments in Afghanistan, PM @narendramodi has instructed that MEA brief Floor Leaders of political parties.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs @JoshiPralhad will be intimating further details.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 23, 2021

Union minster Pralhad Joshi tweeted that the briefing will be held at 11 am on August 26.

Floor Leaders of Political Parties would be briefed by EAM @DrSJaishankar on the present situation in Afghanistan, on 26th August, 11am in Main Committee Room, PHA, New Delhi. Invites are being sent through email. All concerned are requested to attend. https://t.co/iBX9NRd0qq

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) August 23, 2021

Yesterday, a C-17 aircraft brought in 168 passengers, including 107 Indians. Among them was  Anarkali Honaryar and Narender Singh Khalsa, two Afghan senators.

Indians from Afghanistan also came in three other flights -- operated by Air India, IndiGo and Vistara -- which landed in Delhi from Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe and Qatar's Doha.

On August 17, PM Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and asked officials to ensure the safe evacuation of Indians stranded in Afghanistan.

The foreign ministry has said the government is committed to their safe return, adding that the main challenge is the operational status of the Kabul airport.

Last week, at least 20 people died in and around the Kabul airport during evacuation efforts after Taliban took over the Afghan capital last week, reported news agency Reuters, quoting an unnamed NATO official.

Crowds have been growing at the airport since the Taliban takeover, hindering operations as the US and other nations attempt to evacuate their diplomats and civilians as well as numerous Afghans. AT least seven people have died in the crush. Several Afghans fell to their death as they  clambered onto the wings of aircraft in their desperation to get away.

The Taliban has been present at the airport, firing in the air and using batons to keep order.