PAN, March 22, 2013

People of Charikar protest killing of 3 civilians by gunmen on New Year

Torching tyres in different parts of Charikar, the protestors accused gunmen and government forces of disregarding civilians’ lives.

By Farid Tanha

Protest was sparked after 3 civilians were killed on New Year 1392 in Gul Ghundai area where many people go for picnic on holidays.

CHARIKAR: Hundreds of residents, protesting the killing of three civilians in a clash between police and suspected militants in central Parwan province, lifted the blockade of a busy road on Thursday.

In protest against Thursday’s killings in the Gul Ghundai area of Charikar, the provincial capital, the protestors blocked the Kabul-Mazar-i-Sharif highway, placing the body of one victim on the highway.

The demonstrators ended the road closure after an interior ministry delegation assured them of action against irresponsible armed groups and arrest of the killers.

Ghulam Sanayee Stanikzai, a senior interior ministry investigator, told the demonstrators the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “I share your grief and pain. If the killers aren’t detained, I’ll quit my job.”

A representative of the demonstrators, Amarullah, told Pajhwok Afghan News they would resume their protest if the government did not keep its promise.

Torching tyres in different parts of Charikar, the protestors accused gunmen and government forces of disregarding civilians’ lives. They called for bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Provincial council’s deputy head Zahir Salangi also justified the protest, saying that had tried to resolve the issue, but the security personnel’s failure to detain the perpetrators led to the road blockade.

Police official Akram Khan said they had taken effective measures to protect the protestors. Efforts were underway to nab the killers, he added.

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