Seven Indians abducted by the Taliban in Afghanistan’s Baghlan “by mistake”

Seven Indians, reportedly working in a power company in Afghanistan, were on Sunday abducted by unidentified armed men in northern Baghlan province with external affairs ministry saying they are in touch with Afghan authorities to ascertain the details of the incident.

The armed men abducted the employees at Indian company KEC in Bagh-e-Shamal village of the provincial capital Pul-e-Khomre, TOLOnews reported, citing local officials.

They were abducted while travelling to the area, where the company owns an electricity sub-station contract, the report said.

TOLOnews quoted Bagland governor Abdulhai Nemati confirming that the Taliban carried out the abductions, and the insurgent group had moved the Indians to the Dand-e-Shahabuddin area of Pul-e-Khumri city.

Nemati said that the provincial government was in touch with the Taliban via local people. The report claims that the Taliban mistook the Indians for Afghan government employees. Tribal elders in the province are reportedly mediating with the Taliban for the release of Indian employees.

In response to queries on the report of abduction of the Indian nationals in Afghanistan, external affairs ministry spokesperson in New Delhi said, "We are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan. We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained."

KEC is one of the largest Indian companies in Afghanistan that is responsible for electricity supply in the country, the report said.

(with inputs from PTI and IANS)