Militants penetrated Kunduz rally: governor

KABUL in northern Kunduz province, the governor said on Sunday.

Five demonstrators were killed and 57 injured when they attacked the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) office in the provincial capital on the fifth day of the nationwide protests.

Setting alight security booths and tyres in front of the UNAMA office and the police headquarters, the furious demonstrators raised full-throated slogans against the US and threw stones into the buildings in Kunduz city.  

Governor Mohammad Anwar Jagdalak told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents incited the demonstrators over the telephone to attack the UNAMA office, but the security personnel warded off the threat. He said 25 policemen were injured when the protestors threw rocks at them.

But Nisar Ahmad, a demonstrator, said the protest was peaceful and they wanted to express their feelings against the blasphemous act. However, he accused police of handling the demonstration with an iron fist.

The 35-year-old sought harsh punishment for the US soldiers who burned the holy book, calling on the international troops to leave the country with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, UNAMA deplored the attack on its compound in Kunduz, praising the timely response of Afghan police to control the situation.

In a statement, the mission regretted casualties among demonstrators during the unrest, caused by legitimate defence. It expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

The statement said UNAMA would like to reiterate the United Nations deep respect for Islam and understanding for Muslims’ feelings at the desecration.

“At the same time, we call upon those who would wish to express their legitimate religious sentiments to reject calls to violence, to exercise self-restraint and to avoid resorting to protests and demonstrations in order not to allow the enemies of peace to take advantage of the situation.”

It were the people and authorities of the country to invite the UN to work for peace, stability, security and prosperity in Afghanistan.

“The United Nations is determined to continue helping the Afghan people to achieve these objectives. In this, the United Nations staff should enjoy the full protection of the people and authorities of Afghanistan.”

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