President condemns attack on Indian consulate in Afghanistan

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today strongly condemned the terror attack on the Indian Consulate in Herat and said such attacks will not deter India from assisting Afghanistan in its effort to reconstruct and develop the nation.

Commending the bravery shown by all Indian and Afghan staff members at the Consulate, Mukherjee expressed gratitude to the Afghan security forces for quickly responding to the situation and coming to the assistance of the Consulate and ensuring the safety of staff and officers.

He asked the Ministry of External Affairs to remain in close touch with Afghan authorities to ensure the continued safety of Indian diplomatic personnel in the country.

"India will stand united and strong in defending its security and interests wherever they may be threatened," Mukherjee said and called upon Indian security forces to remain alert and give a fitting response to any attempt to harm the country and people.

The President said such "terror attacks will not deter India's efforts to assist the friendly people of Afghanistan in their efforts to reconstruct and develop their nation".

Gunmen armed with heavy weapons including rocket propelled grenades today attacked the Indian Consulate in Afghanistan's Herat province during which three attackers were killed. All the diplomatic staff were safe.PTI