Condemning the killing of Indian engineer K Suryanarayana by Taliban militiants in Afghanistan, Union minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi said on Monday that the government was not given a chance to negotiate with the Taliban.

Ravi told reporters at Nedumabassery International Airport, that 'the dastardly act was done even before the special team could hold discussions with the abductors'. He added that the government has clarified the abductors did not give a chance for negotiations.

Asked about the allegation that India did not act fast enough to free the engineer, Ravi said, "Such matters are of national importance. Do not make it a political controversy and try to get some political mileage out of this. This should be treated as a national challenge."

On reports that promises including a job for a family member of Maniapppan, who was killed by the Taliban in November, has not been fulfilled, Ravi said, "I have also read the report in the newspaper. I shall enquire into it. I do not know what was agreed upon."