BJD to support Centre’s stand on Afghan issue

BHUBANESWAR: The BJD, at an all-party meeting convened by the Centre to discuss the prevailing situation in Afghanistan on Thursday, has thrown its support behind the Centre on any steps it takes on humanitarian ground and to protect national security.
Prasanna Acharya, the BJD leader in Rajya Sabha who represented the party, said the focus was on evacuation of all stranded Indians from Afghanistan. “The government informed that it has intensified rescue operation,” said Acharya.
As India has introduced e-visa for Afghan nationals to enter India, the BJD leader said it’s a policy decision of the Centre while the BJD supports the measure on humanitarian ground. Stating that the current situation in Afghanistan is alarming, Acharya said it will not only impact India, but also the entire world.
“Some leaders in Pakistan are openly declaring that Taliban will intervene in Kashmir, though it appears to be ridiculous. We said such statements need to be taken seriously by the Centre to protect the security of the nation,” Acharya told TOI after the meeting.
The BJD also highlighted the plight of Afghan students studying in different higher educational institutions across the country, including Odisha. Over 50 students from the war-ravaged nation are studying in institutions in Odisha like the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), International Institute of Information Technology Bhubaneswar (IIIT) and Utkal University.
“The students are staring at an uncertain future. There is no certainty whether the students can meet their parents or family members again. The Centre should take a call on these students through appropriate policy decision,” said Acharya.
The party also expressed concern at the closure of the Indian embassy in Kabul. “Average Indians may face problem because of the embassy’s closure. When we raised the issue, the government said they are taking care of the people in coordination with multiple agencies,” said Acharya.
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