Japanese NGO head among 6 killed in Nangarhar

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): The head of a Japanese NGO was killed along with five Afghan aid workers in an attack in eastern Nangarhar province on Wednesday morning.

Peace Japan Medical Services (PMS) chief Dr. Nakamura was rushed to a local hospital here after the assault, said Attaullah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman.

The assault took place at about 8am when unidentified gunmen opened fire on Nakamura’s vehicle, Khogyani said. The NGO chief came under attack on his way to inspect a project

“Dr. Nakamura’s driver and four of his bodyguards were killed in the shooting,” Khogyani said, adding the gunmen fled and police were investigating the incident.

Gul Zada Sangar, spokesman for the zonal hospital, confirmed receiving the casualties from the site. He said Nakamura succumbed to his wounds at the hospital 

Meanwhile, Governor Shah Mahmood Miakhel condemned the attack on the aid workers and said Nakamura had been serving the province for many years.

He said not only the governor house but all people of Nangarhar were shocked by the incident. The perpetrators would be arrested soon by security and detective organs, he promised.

The enemies did not want Afghanistan to be rebuilt, alleged Miakhel, who asked what Dr. Nakamura’s sin was..

The PMS aid agency’s humanitarian work is focused on providing medical services for poor Afghans.

President Ghani granted the NGO head honorary citizenship of Afghanistan for 15 years of services people and humanitarian work in the country.

sa/mud

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