Gunmen attack, vandalize Nuristan radio station

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Unidentified gunmen attacked a local radio station Alina in eastern Nuristan province and damaged its equipment, local officials said Sunday.

The incident happened in Noorgram district on Saturday night, said Sahibdad Hamdard, director of the radio station.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News about 10 attackers stormed the building of their radio station when a program was being aired.

The assailants first blew up the antenna with explosives and damaged it partially and later they tried to torch the office.

The office did not catch fire but the attackers broken a number of computers and damaged some parts of the building.

 Hamdard said one of their workers, Seddiqullah Seddiqi, was taken hostage but later released.

He said he and his workers had not received any threats prior to the attack and they did not know who were involved.

Alina radio has stopped broadcasting after the attack. Pajhwok tried to contact the Nuristan governor and police about the incident, but failed.

However, a police official in Noorgram district, who wished to go unnamed, said police were quick to reach the incident area and saved the building from being burnt.

He said the attackers partially destroyed the antenna of the radio station and sprayed fuel on the office to torch it but police stopped the fire.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the incident. Alina is the only private FM radio station in Nuristan province.

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