Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday termed the killing of Border Roads Organisation driver Maniyappan Raman Kutty by Taliban in Afghanistan as a 'cowardly and brutal' act that reflected the 'cruel and inhuman chracter of the Taliban'.
In a strongly-worded statement, Dr Singh said, "I am deeply grieved and outraged by the news that Kutty of our BRO has been killed in Afghanistan."
The deceased was working on the Zaranj-Delaram road project in Afghanistan and had been abducted on November 19 by the Taliban.
"I condemn this cowardly and brutal murder of a brave Indian, who was working in the cause of peace and development far from his home and country. It also reflects the cruel and inhuman chracter of the Taliban and the forces they represent," Dr Singh said.
Terming Kutty as a soldier who gave his life for peace, Dr Singh directed the External and Defence Ministries to extend all help and assistance to the bereaved family.
"Our prayers are with the family of Kutty," Dr Singh said.