Indian assets and personnel in Kabul could come under fresh attacks in the near future with intelligence inputs suggesting that terror groups like Haqqani faction of Taliban have recently been enquiring about Indian projects and residential complexes of those working on these.
Intelligence inputs available with authorities suggest heightened threat perception, particularly for this month, to Indians working on infrastructure projects, sources said.
Places having Indian concentration like Punjab National Bank, the vicinity of Manochur School in Kalola Pushta and a guest house near the Indian Embassy in Kabul have also been identified as potential targets, they said.
According to the information, at least two car-borne people have been seen making rounds and seeking details about Indian companies, particularly those engaged in construction projects.
They are also said to be enquiring about the residential complexes where the staff is housed, the sources said.
Intelligence inputs suggest that the Haqqani group of Taliban is planning attacks on Indian interests in the near future and are surveying possible targets, they said.
It is feared that vehicle-borne explosive devices (VBIEDs) may be used to target places where Indians, engaged in developmental projects, stay or frequent.
Restaurants and guesthouses frequented by Indians could also be targeted, the sources said.
The sources said intelligence reports earlier had suggested that eight terrorists had been tasked to carry out attacks on Indians in Kabul. Of them, four targeted Park Residency Hotel and Aria Guest House in the February 26 attack in which seven Indians were killed.
One terrorist had escaped after that attack.
In view of the fresh inputs, security establishment in Kabul has been alerted and Indians have been advised to reduce their movements and take extra care while travelling, like avoiding use of same routes and keeping movements unpredictable.
The Indians have also been asked to live in secure accommodations, which have proper access control systems, possible place of hiding or refuge and escape routes.
The Indians have been advised to exercise certain other precautions too at the places of stay and work. It has also been advised that concentration of Indians at any particular place should be kept to the minimum.
About 3,500 Indians are engaged in various construction projects there, including those related to infrastructure development, healthcare and social capacity building.
