Logar council shut over Kandahar killings

PUL-I-ALAM (PAN): In a protest against the cruel killing of civilians by US troops in southern Kandahar, the provincial council office of central Logar province was closed on Tuesday.

Sixteen civilians, including women and children, were killed on Sunday morning, and 11 of their bodies burnt after the shooting by American soldiers in Zangabad area of Panjwae district.

Angry Logar council members strongly denounced the horrendous attack on ordinary people and decided to shut the provincial office for three days.

“The Kandahar incident was an intentional and ruthless killing that shocked the globe,” Abdul Wali Wakil, provincial council office chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

“We strongly condemned this outrages and inhumane killing and shared our condolences to the bereaved families. The perpetrators must be punished in order to be an example for other soldiers to avoid killing civilians in the future,” he said.

Haji Dur Gul, a council member, while condemning the horrific killing said the American soldiers have repeatedly committed such outrageous crimes throughout the country, adding, the culprits should be put on public trial.

Residents in the province also condemned the inhumane incident demanding   urgent punishment for the soldiers.

Javid, a local resident in Pul-i-Alam, the provincial capital, said it was impossible for a soldier suffering from mental disorder to walk out of his base and start shooting at civilians.

Mrh/vp