Peace talks with Taliban a ploy by Pakistan Army to keep Afghanistan divided: Amanullah Saleh

NEW DELHI: The current process of peace talks with Taliban is a ploy by the Pakistan Army to keep Afghanistan divided to usher in a hardline school of thought and diminish India’s influence in the landlocked country, alleged Amanullah Saleh, former Afghan spymaster.

Saleh, who had been praised by the international community for his handling of critical intelligence department and security of the landlocked country between 2004 and 2010, told ET in an exclusive interview from Kabul that Pakistan is trying to create a new reality in Afghanistan by pushing Taliban and trying to divide the country and create a constituency of hardliners against pluralist Afghans.

“Pakistan Army is trying to create mullah movement in Afghanistan and rule by proxy. However, they will not succeed. The pluralist and nationalist Afghans will emerge triumphant,” assured Saleh, a former aide to Ahmed Shah Massoud. Saleh had played vital role in overthrowing Mullah Omar’s rule in 2001 by providing key inputs to anti-Taliban forces on the ground. Later, he is also understood to have tracked down Osama Bin Laden’s hideout in Pakistan as chief of Afghan intelligence agency.

“Rawalpindi (Pak Army headquarters) is trying to diminish India’s presence and its investments in Afghanistan, I suggest that Delhi stay on course. We are approaching the finishing line and will not allow hardline elements to succeed,” said Saleh.