Hundreds rally against voters’ mutilation

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Hundreds of people on Tuesday protested in this western city of Herat against the mutilation of nearly a dozen voters by insurgents in Kasht-i-Sangi Robat district on the election day.

The 11 men, mostly elders, were seized by insurgents after they had voted in the election and got their index fingers dipped in indelible ink mutilated.

Hundreds of people on Tuesday gathered in front of the Governor’s House in protest against the mutilation, chanting slogans against militants.

The protestors said they supported the democratic process and called on the electoral bodies to act impartially and maintain transparency in the process.    

They called on security organs to arrest those involved in the mutilation incident and award them heavy punishment.

Wali Ahmad Azimi, a civil society activist who took part in the rally, said, “This gathering is a warning to the insurgents that we won’t be deterred by such cruel acts because we’re committed to strengthening democracy.”

“This gathering is to show our support to the election and the votes of Afghan people,” said Fahim, another citizen of Herat.

He said the Afghans were fed-up with the war and bloodshed and it was the time to work for peace and stability.

Kasht-i-Sangi Robat, a restive district, is 60 kilometers north of Herat City.

mrh/ma

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