7 killed, several injured as Kabul protest turns deadly

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least seven people were killed and 10 others wounded on Friday when a massive protest erupted at the site of a devastating suicide bombing in Kabul earlier in the week.

Around 90 people had been killed and more than 450 others wounded on Wednesday when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed truck near the Green Zone.

Calling for the immediate resignation of the national unity government, the enraged demonstrators clashed with riot police near the Presidential Palace.       

The protestors, numbering over 1,000, hit out at the failure of President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah to deal with increasing attacks in Kabul.

Bursts of gunfire were heard, as police used water cannon and tear gas to prevent rock-throwing protesters from marching on Ghani’s office.

One security official, seeking anonymity, confided to Pajhwok Afghan News as of 3.30pm, at least seven people were killed and 10 others wounded.

Some of the protesters, carrying weapons, fired at police, wounding four officers. “Police also fired, and only one or two protesters may be wounded,” the Kabul police chief said.

Gen. Hassan Shah Frogh said that Salem Izidyar, son of the deputy speaker of the Meshrano Jirga , was among the protesters killed.

While asking the government to stand down, the demonstrators chanted death to Taliban.

The road leading to the palace was blocked by security vehicles, and hundreds of security forces tried to control the crowd using water cannons and riot gear. When that failed, the security forces started firing live bullets into the air.

Wolesi Jirga member Abdul Latif Pedram, who also took part in the protest,  said they were rallying against terrorism and injustice.

He alleged: “The government isn’t capable of maintaining security even in Kabul. Its leaders, therefore, should quit and pave the ground for those who can deliver.”

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