Spcl aircraft to fetch Indians' bodies from Kabul

A special aircraft will leave on Friday night for Kabul to bring back the bodies of Indians killed in the attack in Kabul earlier in the day.

Senior external affairs ministry officials and a team of doctors will be on board the aircraft, sources said.

Indian High Commissioner to Afghanistan Jayant Prasad is already in New Delhi and is apprising Foreign Minister S M Krishna about the incident and the situation in Afghanistan, sources added.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has extended its sincere condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in the dastardly attack, including the families of the Indian officials who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

"Though the irreplaceable loss of these families can never be recompensed, all necessary steps will be taken for the welfare of the dependants of the deceased officials.

The Indian government is in close touch with the government of Afghanistan on all aspects concerning the safety, security and welfare of Indians in that country," an MEA statement stated. 

India on Friday condemned the Kabul attack, which targeted residential facilities and killed nine Indians besides other some other persons of Afghanistan and third world countries.

India expressed its deep concern saying it is clearly aimed against the people of India and the people of Afghanistan.

A statement issued by the MEA on Friday evening said: "There has been a heinous terrorist attack in Kabul today morning targeting a few residential facilities used, among others, by Indian nationals. As per the preliminary information provided by Afghan government officials, up to nine Indians, besides a few others from Afghanistan and third countries, have lost their lives. The deceased Indians include government officials. A few Indians have been injured, most of whom are reported to be out of danger."

"Arrangements are being made for their adequate and expeditious treatment, if necessary, by evacuating them to India. Further details are being ascertained," it added.