India called for “zero tolerance” to terrorism by the Taliban dispensation in Afghanistan saying that in the middle of challenges there were “few opportunities”. Addressing an emergency UN security council meeting on Monday evening, India’s ambassador, T S Tirumurti said, “the current situation prevailing in the country is of great concern to us in India.”

Saying that prior to the current unrest, India had ongoing development projects in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, Tirumurti said, “It is time for the international community to come together unitedly, rising above any partisan interests, to support the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability and security in the country and to enable all Afghans, including women, children and minorities, to live in peace and dignity.”

Tirumurti said, “the current situation in Afghanistan has numerous challenges. However, there are a few opportunities. If there is a zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and it is ensured that the territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten or attack any other country, then Afghanistan’s neighbours and the region would feel safer. The Secretary-General has underlined this unequivocally just now.”

This was a subtle message to the Taliban for India not only holds the presidentship of the council this month, it is also head of the powerful Taliban sanctions committee.

(With inputs from agencies)