From the Archives (June 6, 1969): PM’s poignant meeting with Ghaffar Khan

The Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi received an unprecedentedly warm welcome from the Afghan Government and people on her arrival here [Kabul] to-day [June 5] on a five-day visit to this country with which India has had the closest ties from the days of the Rig Veda, Buddhist philosophy and the early Islamic influence. Immediately on her arrival here, Mrs. Gandhi called on Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Tens of thousands of students and common people lined the 12 kilometre route from the airport to the Royal guest house cheering her all the way and showering her with rose petals at important road junctions. Even the striking students of the Kabul colleges and schools took some time off from their demonstrations to welcome her as the motorcade passed through the crowded city.