India hails 3-day Taliban truce call in Afghanistan, hopes for peace

India has joined international locations such because the US, Germany and Iran in welcoming a three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying it hopes the truce shall be additional prolonged to be able to deal with the humanitarian scenario within the war-torn nation.

The Taliban introduced the ceasefire for Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday night. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed it and prolonged a suggestion of peace from his authorities. He instructed Afghan safety forces to adjust to the three-day ceasefire and to “defend only if attacked”.

The exterior affairs ministry stated in a press release on Sunday: “India welcomes the understanding reached for a ceasefire in Afghanistan for three days during the Eid. We hope that this ceasefire would extend further and become permanent to address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and pave the way for durable peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan.”

The assertion added, “India stands with the people of Afghanistan in their quest for enduring peace, security, sovereignty, and prosperity.”

On Sunday, Ghani introduced his authorities will launch as much as 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the ceasefire, and take additional steps within the peace course of.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo welcomed the announcement of the truce .

“We worked hard to achieve this moment, and I hope that this respite from conflict gives Afghan people the space and security they deserve to celebrate Eid, while allowing the Taliban and the government the opportunity to take additional steps toward a peaceful future,” he stated.

The Taliban had final known as for a ceasefire throughout Eid in June 2018.

However, violence has considerably elevated in Afghanistan for the reason that US and the Taliban signed a deal in February.

The world group has been calling for a discount in violence in order that the fraying peace course of might be taken ahead.