Protestors want Badakhshan governor removed

KABUL (Pajhwok): Residents of northeastern Badakhshan province staged a protest gathering in Kabul on Thursday against killing and wounding of demonstrators by police and called for the punishment of perpetrators and the governor.

Two days back, Badakhshan residents protested what they called increased insecurity in the province, snail-paced work on the Shorabak dam and a shortage of potable water in the provincial capital.

However, the protest turned violent as four of the participants were killed and over 43 others wounded in police firing.

The protestors said they were targeted by security guards of the Badakhshan governor. However, the governor denied his bodyguards’ involvement.

The government tasked a delegation on Wednesday with investigating the incident and sharing its report with the Presidential Palace.

Today, dozens of Badakhshan residents rallied in Kabul for awarding deterrent punishment to those involved in firing on protestors and removal of the governor.

Kaliullah Hamsukhan, speaking on behalf of the protestors, said: “People only wanted water and electricity. It’s shameful dispersing them with bullets.

“Listening to the citizens is the job of officials and those who involved in violence against protestors should be identified and brought to justice.”

He demanded a fair investigation into the incident, saying the report of the probe team should be shared with the public.

He added unofficial figures showed 11 people were killed and 63 others wounded in the police firing at the protestors in Badakhshan.

Shafiqullah Hamdard, chief physician of the Badakhshan Civil Hospital, told Pajhwok today their figures showed four people were killed and 43 others wounded in Tuesday’s incident.

However, he said some protestors and parliament members claimed nine people were killed.

Farzad Majidpur, one of the protestors in Kabul, slammed the Badakhshan incident as a massacre and a crime against humanity.

“When people encounter problems, whom they should complain to? The officials respond with bullets,” he grumbled

The protestors released a resolution, calling for punishing those involved in firing at protestors in Badakhshan and removal of the provincial governor.

They also asked for the provision of basic services such as security, justice, potable water, healthcare and education for Badakhshan inhabitants.

The protestors demanded strengthening of border forces and prevention of formation of militias in northern and northeastern parts of the country.

mds/mud