Afghanistan's Taliban militia today hit back at Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee after he described them as a "threat" to regional stability.
The Taliban foreign ministry said Mr Vajpayee's comments in a speech to the Iranian parliament today were aimed at diverting world attention away from the "conspiracies" he was hatching with other "certain countries to destabilise the region".
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan [the Taliban authorities] . . . condemns such statements by the Indian prime minister and Iranian authorities as a continuation of their flagrant interference in its home affairs," it said.
Mr Vajpayee's words showed Tehran and New Delhi were orchestrating anti-Taliban resistance, it said.
The Islamic militia, which controls most of Afghanistan, accuses Russia, India and Iran of backing opposition forces led by former defence minister Mr Ahmad Shah Masood.
Mr Vajpayee, who is on a four-day visit to Iran, said the Taliban had "lost their sense" and had become a threat to the stability of the region.
He denounced the Sunni Muslim militia for destroying two ancient Buddhas last month which aroused worldwide condemnation.
"Terrorism and an ambiguous ideology have unfortunately taken hold in our region, and led to a tragedy with the destruction of the historic heritage of mankind," he said in the address.
"We cannot pardon this crime . . . they have become a great threat."
AFP