UNSC condemns attack on Indian consulate

In a late evening statement to the press, the Council condemned acts of violence against diplomatic and consular representatives. The Council members also commended the Afghan National Security Forces for their effective action.

According to media reports, at least four heavily-armed gunmen attacked the diplomatic complex on Friday. Afghan forces and paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Police killed the attackers with no injuries reported to anyone inside the consulate.

While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, the 15-member Council reiterated serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other terrorist and extremist groups and illegal armed groups.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, according to the statement which called terrorism criminal and unjustifiable in all its for

No terrorist act can reverse the path towards Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the Government of Afghanistan and the international community, the Council said in the statement.

Members also urged all Governments to cooperate actively with Afghan authorities in bringing those responsible to account, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.

The attack comes as Afghanistan is preparing for a second round of voting in its presidential election after the 5 April polls. The runoff is scheduled for 14 June.

India is also undergoing a change in its leadership. Prime minister-elect Narendra Modi will take his oath of office on Monday.