Kabul:
The second major attack in Kabul this year by the Taliban killed 9 Indians, mostly government officials and 2 Army officers. With a spurt in insurgency, the demand for security guards has gone up especially for gorkhas who have served the Indian Army.
Sandeep, who came to Afghanistan 9 months ago from Dehradun, lives there along with 200 others.
"I feel every soldier has to protect his whole country which means there are several homes, several districts and states. Here we have to protect just one villa," he says.
Sandeep came to Afghanistan in search of a better future even if it means staying in a war zone.
"I'm satisfied, because I think I'm getting a little bit more salary to make my daughters future good. She lost her mother 8 years ago," he added.
Security companies have mushroomed all across Afghanistan. Over 60 firms are now registered like the one Sandeep works for.
It was set up by a Briton who worked for the Gorkha regiment in the British army. Its main client is the United Nations - a known Taliban target.
"Of course our families are scared, we are too. Bombs blow up here, like in films but we need to earn the money. Then we will settle down in our villages," said Dewa, another security guard.
Calling home in the morning is a ritual for these guards assuring people back home that they are safe. Wajahat, an Afghan, guards the villa the gorkhas live in. But he feels he could do the job Sandeep does - protecting rich clients for a decent salary.
Every office, building, guest house in Kabul is guarded, but while Afghans are hired, western clients prefer non afghan guards.
"If anybody asks us to provide third country nationals, and especially gorkhas, then we have to provide," says the coordinator of IDG Company.
The gorkhas feel it's a risk worth taking. But staying away from home, from their families often irritates them.
Sandeep, who came to Afghanistan 9 months ago from Dehradun, lives there along with 200 others.
"I feel every soldier has to protect his whole country which means there are several homes, several districts and states. Here we have to protect just one villa," he says.
Sandeep came to Afghanistan in search of a better future even if it means staying in a war zone.
"I'm satisfied, because I think I'm getting a little bit more salary to make my daughters future good. She lost her mother 8 years ago," he added.
Security companies have mushroomed all across Afghanistan. Over 60 firms are now registered like the one Sandeep works for.
It was set up by a Briton who worked for the Gorkha regiment in the British army. Its main client is the United Nations - a known Taliban target.
"Of course our families are scared, we are too. Bombs blow up here, like in films but we need to earn the money. Then we will settle down in our villages," said Dewa, another security guard.
Calling home in the morning is a ritual for these guards assuring people back home that they are safe. Wajahat, an Afghan, guards the villa the gorkhas live in. But he feels he could do the job Sandeep does - protecting rich clients for a decent salary.
Every office, building, guest house in Kabul is guarded, but while Afghans are hired, western clients prefer non afghan guards.
"If anybody asks us to provide third country nationals, and especially gorkhas, then we have to provide," says the coordinator of IDG Company.
The gorkhas feel it's a risk worth taking. But staying away from home, from their families often irritates them.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
