Khaama Press, January 18, 2016

Man cuts off his wife’s nose in Faryab before fleeing to Taliban-held area

The relatives of the woman said her condition is critical as her nose has been completely chopped off

A woman's nose was cut by her husband in northern Afghanistan. (Photo: Khaama Press)

A man has escaped to a Taliban-held area after cutting off his wife’s nose in northern Faryab province of Afghanistan, local officials said Monday.

Provincial police chief Syed Aqa Andarabi said the incident took place late on Sunday in Ghormach district.

He said an investigation has been launched with preliminary reports suggesting the man committed the crime due to family issues.

The relatives of the woman said her condition is critical as her nose has been completely chopped off and she has to be immediately shifted from Faryab province to receive medical care.

They said the husband of the victim managed to flee the area and has taken shelter in area under the Taliban control.

Provincial public health officials have confirmed that the woman would require plastic surgery, a procedure that is not available in Faryab province.

The incident once again sent shockwaves across Afghanistan amid growing violence against women in the country with majority social media users condemning the brutal act and calling on the government to take immediate steps in detaining and trying the perpetrator.

The growing violence against women has been one of the main social issues Afghanistan has been facing during the past years with the analysts believing that the efforts by the government and international community have failed to curb the stigma in the Afghan society.

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