JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Female members of the provincial council of eastern Nangarhar province on Monday said the bomb attack that killed their colleague Angiza Shinwari had created a sense of insecurity among them.
The female representatives said they were worried about their security after the attack on Shiwari’s vehicle earlier this month
Shinwari, in her mid thirties, was seriously injured when a bomb attached to her vehicle went off in the heart of Jalalabad, the provincial capital.
She was rushed to a local hospital and later shifted to the Mohammad Daud Khan Hospital in Kabul, but she died of her wounds.
President Ashraf Ghani and former president Hamid Karzai on Monday attended a memorial service for the slain politician in Kabul.
PC member Nilofar Aziz said: “A majority of the members have increased their security and they avoid travelling to far-flung areas fearing possible attacks on them.” She demanded the government pay attention to security of woman members.
Another member Habibiah Karkar said female representatives were deeply concerned about their security. She said most female members did not attend ceremonies and public gatherings.
Sabrina Hamidi, Afghanistan Independent Human Right Commission (AIHC) head for Nangarhar, said: “The government should arrest and punish elements behind the killing of Angiza.”
She said security organs should ensure that citizens particularly women were protected.
Police Chief Brig. Gen. Fazal Ahmad Sherzad said security forces had rendered sacrifices in the protection of citizens. He said police were investigating the attack that claimed the life of Shinwari.
The popular politician died in hospital exactly a week ago days after the bomb attack on her vehicle.
Her death underscores the growing dangers for women in the government. Angiza Shinwari was at the start of a second term as a provincial council member.
Her driver was killed in the explosion and four other people injured, in the second deadly attack on a female politician in three months.
Colleagues described Shinwari as a determined defender of women’s rights and an active member of provincial council.
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