NGO worker among four Indians killed in Kabul

Kabul/New Delhi: An NGO worker identified as Martha Farrell died in the gunmen attack at Park Palace hotel in Kabul yesterday. The incident claimed 14 lives including 4 Indians, said a the source from Indian Envoy.

“Four Indians, including a lady, were killed in the attack,” the source told IANS over telephone.

Farell was about return India this week. "She was the spokesperson for a training programme conducted by the Aga Khan Trust. She was in Afghanistan from May 9 and was to come back on May 16," an official from Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA) told IANS.

PRIA is an international centre for learning and promotion of citizen participation and democratic governance. It offers professional expertise and practical insights which are utilised by other civil society groups, NGOs, governments, donors, trade unions, private business and academic institutions.

The attack occurred on the Park Palace Hotel frequented by foreigners at around 8.30 p.m. yesterday when a dinner party was going on.

Meanwhile, a top Afghan official has been quoted by an Afghan news agency as saying that the militants attacked the upscale Park Palace guesthouse in Kabul's Kolola Pushta yesterday night thinking that Indian Ambassador Amar Sinha was inside.

Asked about the attackers, he said that they were “three to four” and suspected to be Taliban gunmen. All were killed in the seven-hour encounter that ended on today morning.

Khaama Press quoted President Ashraf Ghani’s special envoy for good governance, Ahmad Zia Massoud as telling reporters that the militants attacked the guesthouse thinking the Indian envoy was present in the premises.

Massoud visited the attack scene in Kabul late on yesterday night and spoke to reporters there.

“Massoud said the attack on Park Palace guesthouse is likely a political attack but he did not elaborate further,” the Khaama Press report said.“A security official earlier said a musical event was due to be organised, which was due to be attended by the Turkish and Indian guests as well Afghan nationals" it further reported.

On the other hand Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.