New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs is reportedly examining the authenticity of an alleged communication sent from the Afghan embassy to close its premises by September 30.The Wire had reported in May that the Taliban regime had sent a directive that the current Afghan ambassador to India, appointed by the previous Islamic Republic, be removed and replaced with another diplomat as Charge D’affaires. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, as the Taliban-appointed diplomat was not allowed to take charge by his other colleagues at that time. Even then, the ambassador Farid Mamundzay had indicated to The Wire that the MEA’s official silence had meant that it would prefer a change in the embassy.India does not recognise the Taliban regime, just like the rest of the international community, but in June 2022, it had stationed a technical team in Kabul made up of diplomats and security personnel. It marked India’s return to the Afghan capital after the entire embassy was evacuated following the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban in August 2021.Since India decided to go back to Kabul, Afghan embassy diplomats have been facing financial challenges and operational difficulties as they have been unable to work with the Taliban regime and also because the MEA has largely cold-shouldered their missives.As per a copy of the letter posted on X, formerly Twitter, by Afghan journalist Bilal Sarwary, Afghan ambassador Mamundzay wrote to the Indian foreign minister that the embassy will close down its premises, in a letter dated September 25.“The presence of the Afghan Diplomatic Mission in New Delhi cannot function normally without the explicit help of the Indian government. After a careful consideration and assessment of the current situation, disappointingly the Embassy finds itself in a position where this support is not forthcoming. Given these circumstances. the Embassy has concluded that it is in our mission and its staff‘s best interest to bring it to a close by the end of September 2023,” it said.#AFG Sources confirm that the the Afghan Ambassador in India Farid Mamundzay @FMamundzay be closing the mission this month, citing challenges and pressure from Indian authorities and possibly Taliban. pic.twitter.com/uccz8IyitO— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 28, 2023The Wire has contacted Mamundzay to authenticate the letter, but there has been no response so far.The MEA has not responded officially, but official sources stated that the communication and its context are being examined for its authenticity. “This is in the context of the Ambassador being out of India for past many months, steady departure of diplomats to third countries reportedly after receiving asylum as well as reports of infighting amongst Embassy personnel,” said official sources on Thursday night.The letter allegedly written by Afghan envoy Mamundzay stated that the embassy’s “significance has been systematically diminished since the reopening of the Indian embassy in Kabul in June 2022”. “During the same period, the mission was not afforded the diplomatic regard and friendly considerations befitting its rightful status, roles and responsibilities,” he said.In the letter, Mamundzay also asked the MEA to take custodial responsibility of the mission properties, financial accounts including the lndia Afghanistan Fund (IAF), which currently holds more than $500,000.He also asked the MEA to issue exit permits to all diplomats whose visas have not been renewed since May 2023. “The lack of support for extending the visas of the diplomats has been perceived as a pressure tactic to create discord at the mission and provide access to usurpers,” the letter said.Thirdly, he requested that the tricolour flag of Afghanistan remain hoisted on all the mission’s properties. “It is an important symbol of honour. pride, sacrifice and self-determination for millions of Afghans around the world. Having the tricolour flag remain hoisted at the properties during these difficult times will be deeply meaningful for all Afghans”.His fourth and last request was that the embassy property should not be handed over to a representative of the Taliban regime. “Lastly, we earnestly implore the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safekeeping of the Embassy’s property and assets, with the understanding that they will be entrusted to a legitimate government duly elected by the Afghan people in the future,” the letter said.