Ground Report | New Delhi: Taliban advance in Afghanistan; NATO’s mission in Afghanistan is coming to an end after two decades of war, but the uncertain future prospects of the Afghan nation are raising security concerns in India.
Taliban advance in Afghanistan
Policymakers in New Delhi are working to ensure that the growing Taliban control in Afghanistan does not further strengthen militancy in the region, in Kashmir valley.
According to the Afghan Taliban, they have gained control of 85 percent of Afghanistan. During a press conference in Moscow, Afghan negotiator Shahabuddin Dilawar said Friday (July 9th) that about 250 of Afghanistan’s 398 districts have been captured by the Taliban. It is clear that this claim of the Taliban.
ALSO READ: In Kashmir 11 govt employees including 2 sons of Salahuddin sacked
Earlier, hundreds of Afghan soldiers were forced to flee to Tajikistan after escaping a militant attack in northern Afghanistan. This is an indication of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.
Observers fear that if the Afghan Taliban continue to advance in this way and gain control of more areas, armed militancy could increase in Kashmir. Leading defense analyst and former Indian military officer Pravin Sawhney said that if the Taliban return to power, it will definitely have an impact on Kashmir. Sohni believes the current government led by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will not last long, DW reported.
Militants in Kashmir
Pravin Sawhney said, “Taliban fighters are the children of the soil. They are already claiming control of most parts of the country. In such a situation, after the withdrawal of NATO, I can see its effects on Kashmir.
Addressing a webinar organized by the World Anti-Terrorism Council earlier this month, Army Chief Manoj Mukund had said that since the ceasefire agreement, the situation in Kashmir has improved significantly, especially with regard to armed militancy. However, experts believe that the situation could change rapidly after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
ALSO READ: Explained: What are major women’s issues during this pandemic?
Akanksha Narain, a security expert in New Delhi, says that after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, Mujahideen who had fought against the Soviets in the past had become involved in other foreign armed conflicts, such as Chechnya, Kashmir, and the Middle East.
This time, after the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan, there is a possibility that these fighters will be involved in the current foreign conflict. Therefore, India fears that the militants in Kashmir will be encouraged.
Security expert Rahul Bedi says the Indian Army and local police in Jammu and Kashmir have built a strong network of security and intelligence over the past three decades. According to Bedi, “India is now better prepared and able to meet the challenges posed by Pakistan.”
You can connect with Ground Report on Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp, and mail us at GReport2018@gmail.com to send us your suggestions and writeups.
