<p>ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Hundreds of tribal elders and religious scholars on Tuesday gathered in eastern Kunar province and voiced their support for Saudi Arabia in the kingdom’s row with Iran, saying the protection of the sacred places was duty of every Muslim.</p>
<p>Deputy head of the <a href="/en/ulema" class="glossify-link">Ulema</a> Council in Kunar, Najibullah Haqyar, told the gathering of nearly 350 people that all religious scholars of Kunar were ready to sacrifice their lives for the defence of the Haramain Sharifian”</p>
<p>He said they supported the Saudi-led anti-terrorism coalition. The Saudi government has announced the formation of a 34-nation anti-terrorism block and has asked <a href="/en/afghanistan" class="glossify-link">Afghanistan</a> to join the coalition.</p>
<p>While pointing to the attacks on the Saudi Embassy and consulates in Iran, Haqyar said the attacks were Iran’s clear violation of the international laws.</p>
<p>The embassy attacks in Iran followed the execution of a renowned Shia leader in Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia. Saudi put to death 47 people including Shia Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a move that stirred sectarian anger across the region.</p>
<p>Tribal elder Hajji Mohammad Rozi said “we have sacrificed a lot for Islam and we would not let anyone pose a threat to the sacred Islamic places especially the Haramain Sharifian.”</p>
<p>All people of Kunar were ready to sacrifice their lives for the defence of the Haramain Sharifian, the provincial council chief, Jamaluddin Sayar, said.</p>
<p>myn/ma</p>
