Over 130 Afghan migrants killed in Iran in 3 days: MPs

KABUL members on Wednesday claimed Iranian border forces killed 136 Afghan migrants in three days, asking the government to lodge complaint with the relevant international body.

Four Wolesi Jirga Commissions have summoned Acting Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar and Refugees Minister Syed HussainAlami Balkh in connection to the brutal killing of Afghan refugees at the hands of Iranian security personnel.

Abdul Sattar Hussaini, a lawmaker from Farah province, claimed that on the nights of April 30 and May 1, Iranian border security personnel tortured 50 Afghan migrants in Gulran locality and later drowned them in river. Twelve Afghan migrants rescued themselves while the remaining lost their lives.

He said two days after the incident, Iranian security personnel opened fire at 120 Afghan migrants in the area, killing 100 and the remaining were able to flee.

He said Iranian security personnel buried these 100 bodies of Afghan migrants in one grave. “Documents to prove the claim are available and are shared with Afghan officials,” he added.

Hussaini demanded the brutality committed by Iranians to be raised at relevant global platforms.

Lawmaker Maryam Sama said when evidence was available in this regard, no delay should be made and the matter should be raised in the International Court of Justice.

Other lawmakers shared similar views.                                                                 

Acting Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar told lawmakers that the incident was being investigated by a joint delegation and in order to register complain in the international court, there was need for more documents and materials.

He said the Afghan government will take its final decision once the probe is completed. Breaking relationship, referral to Hague tribunal or using diplomatic means would the final option of Afghan government, he added

He termed the presence of Afghan migrants in neighboring countries against national interest and demanded action in this regard.

Atmar added Afghanistan had open borders with Iran in Herat, Nimroz, Farah provinces which often created problems.

Gul Ahmad Kamin, deputy head of the International Relations Commission, who headed the meeting, said officials had little information regarding the issue and their behavior was casual.

He asked the government to share evidence regarding the killing of Afghan migrants by Iranian security personnel and share them with the Hague tribunal.

Nh/ma