Karzai calls up PM, promises probe into terror attack

NEW DELHI - Afghan President Hamid Karzai Saturday called up Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and promised a “full investigation” into the terror attack in Kabul that killed 17 people, including nine Indians.

President Hamid Karzai today called the prime minister to express his condolences on the loss of Indian lives and injuries sustained by many others in the terrorist attack in Kabul on Feb 26, said a statement issued here by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“President Karzai promised a full investigation into the attack. The prime minister conveyed India’s outrage at the incident,” it said.

Taliban bombers attacked guest houses in the heart of Kabul Friday, triggering a series of explosions, and a gun battle that killed at least 17 people, including nine Indians, a French citizen and an Italian.

While thanking the Afghan president “for the assistance being given”, Manmohan Singh also requested him “to ensure full security for Indian nationals in Afghanistan”.

“The two leaders agreed to stay in touch with each other,” the statement said.

The Indians killed in the terror attack include two army officers, government officials, an Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) constable and a tabla player who was part of a cultural delegation to Afghanistan.

A special aircraft was sent to Kabul Saturday to bring back the nine bodies.

The assault occurred around the City Centre shopping complex and the Safi Landmark hotel, about 300 metres from the interior ministry.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said by phone from an undisclosed location that five Taliban bombers attacked two compounds used by foreigners.