The abduction and killing of Border Roads Organisation driver Maniappan in Afghanistan was the result of a conspiracy between Pakistan and the Taliban, National Security Adviser M K Narayanan said on Saturday night.

Addressing reporters at his native town Ottappalam, Narayanan said Pakistan's aim was to create rift in the cordial relations existing between India and Afghanistan.

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"It is a conspiracy, cheating and an ill-motivated act," Narayanan said.

He said the tragic incident, however, would not dampen Indo-Afghan relations. India would continue with its peacetime construction works in Afghanistan.

Narayanan rejected the allegation that India had not done anything to secure Maniappan's release. India had contacted the Afghan government as soon as the news of the kidnapping came out. But a link could not be established with the Taliban which did not offer a chance for negotiations.

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The Taliban had executed the hostage in a most brutal manner and such acts posed a threat to the civilised world, he said.

Narayanan was in Ottappalam to inaugurate a newly formed development forum.