India says targeting civilians during Ramzan makes the strike “more reprehensible.”
India on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Pakistan, condemning the reported airstrike on a hospital in Kabul that allegedly killed over 400 people, calling it a “barbaric” and unjustifiable act targeting civilians.
‘Barbaric, cowardly and unconscionable’
In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said,
“India unequivocally condemns Pakistan’s barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on the night of March 16. This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation.”
The MEA described the incident as a shocking act of violence against civilians and underscored that hospitals cannot be treated as military targets under any circumstances.
‘Blatant assault on sovereignty’
India further accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and destabilising the region.
The MEA said,
“This heinous act of aggression by Pakistan is also a blatant assault on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability. It reflects Pakistan’s persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its repeated attempts to externalise internal failures through increasingly desperate acts of violence beyond its borders.”
Ramzan timing makes attack ‘more reprehensible’
Highlighting the timing, India said the strike during the holy month of Ramzan worsened the gravity of the incident.
The statement added,
“That this attack was carried out during the holy month of Ramzan, a time of peace, reflection, and mercy among Muslim communities across the world, makes it all the more reprehensible. There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients.”
Call for global accountability
India urged the international community to ensure accountability and put an end to attacks on civilians.
The MEA said,
“The international community must hold the perpetrators of this criminal act accountable and ensure that the wanton targeting by Pakistan of civilians in Afghanistan ceases without delay. India extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, wishes a swift recovery to those injured, and stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in this tragic moment. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.”
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