Samanagan carnage condemned at home, abroad

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some foreign, local leaders and former Afghan officials have condemned a blast inside a seminary in northern Samangan province and termed the act against humanity, Islamic and international values and laws.

Nineteen people were killed and 25 others injured in a blast inside Al-Jihadia Madrassa during afternoon prayer in Aibak, the provincial capital.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned he blast and said: “This terrorist and inhuman act was carried out by the enemies of Afghanistan and it was against Islamic values and humanity.”

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, a former head of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), also denounced the blast in strong words.

“Attack on worshipers, students and seminaries was against Islamic values and humanity and it was condemnable,” he said.

Head of the Melli Subat Association Ziaul Haq Amarkhel said: “The blast in Samangan province that claimed the lives of innocent students was painful.”

The UN Children Fund (UNICEF) also condemned Samanagan blast and on its Twitter handle wrote: “UNICEF is appalled to learn of the explosion in the Madrasa Al Jihad in Aybak city, Samangan Province, Northern Region, earlier today. It has initially been reported that children were amongst those killed and wounded.”

It added: “The exact number of child casualties is still not verified. @UNICEF expresses its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and those injured. In Afghanistan, during the first half of this year, at least 288 children have either been killed or injured, including in attacks in schools and learning settings. The real figure is thought to be much higher.”

“Children should never be targets of violence. @UNICEF urges all parties in Afghanistan to do everything they can to always keep children safe. Children need peace and protection to enjoy their childhoods, live to their full potential, and contribute to a prosperous Afghanistan,” the world body added.

US Chargé d’Affaires Karen Decker also condmened Samanagan blast and said: “I join @SE_AfghanWGH's and @US4AfghanPeace's condemnations of the despicable attack on the madrasa in Samangan. Afghan children are to be cherished and protected. We must eradicate terror from the lives of our children.”

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West on his Twitter handle wrote: “Terrible news from Samangan this morning. Children among those killed and injured in an attack on a religious school. The United States condemns this senseless attack against innocent civilians. All Afghan children have the right to go to school without fear.”

UNAMA on its Twitter handle wrote: “UNAMA finds that at least 19 killed & 23 injured by yesterday’s IED blast in a madrassa in #Aybak #Afghanistan. More than 20 children among casualties. We extend our deep sympathies to all victims & families impacted. Investigation & accountability needed.”

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