Hundreds rally against cross-border shelling (Video)

ASADABAD (PAN): Residents and political workers in Kunar province on Monday staged a demonstration to condemn periodic attacks from Pakistan into eastern Afghan provinces.

Over the past few months, a dozen people have been killed and more than 40 others injured as a result of the cross-border shelling blamed on Pakistani forces.

As the attacks continued despite assurances from the government and the UN to find a solution, the Wafaqi Milli party last month launched a drive registering youth for taking part in counterattacks.

The party claims so far 40,000 people are ready to participate in reprisal attacks. Nearly 300 activists of the party laced with axes, pickaxes and other tools arrived in Asadabad to stage a peaceful protest.

Party’s leader Bismillah Sher, who led the demonstration, strongly condemned the cross-border attacks, calling for an immediate end to the aggression.

He believed the attacks could be stopped only when the Afghans stood united. “As the people of Kunar have declared jihad against Pakistani forces, we are here to show the Pakistanis that we are united against aggression,” Sher said.

He acknowledged they lacked resources, but their Islamic and national spirit remained high. He asked the Pakistani government to stop firing missiles into Afghanistan. He warned of dire consequences if the incursions continued.

The politician asked the governor’s house and security organs to allow them to move to the border and join Afghan forces in beating back the aggressors.

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