India suspends medical mission in Kabul

KABUL, March 6 : Indian medical mission in Kabul has suspended its operations as much of its staffers were either injured or killed in last week's terror attack in the Afghan capital.

Sources said there was no adequate staff to run the mission as one of them was killed and some others of the 11-member team were injured in the February 26 attack.

The Indian medical mission of six doctors and five paramedics was functioning from the Indira Gandhi Child Care Hospital set up here under India's assistance programme.

Seven Indians, including three Major-rank officers of the Army, were among 18 people killed in the attack that targeted guest houses.

Indian National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon, who arrived here on Friday to discuss security aspects following attacks met President Hamid Karzai and discussed the situation.

Mr. Karzai said his government would take all steps to protect the lives of people engaged in the humanitarian and reconstruction work. Diplomatic sources said both sides also discussed bilateral issues.

Mr. Menon, who also met his counterpart Dadfar Rangin Spanta, reiterated India's commitment to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and recalled the historical and friendly relations between people of both countries.

The Afghan side informed Mr. Menon that investigation into the February 26 attack was likely to be concluded soon.