updated by Web Desk
At least 64 people were killed and more than 265 wounded in a suicide attack at protest march in Afghan capital Kabul. The So-called Islamic State is reported to behind the attack
Hundreds of demonstrators from Afghanistan’s Hazara
TV GRAB
minority community marched in protest through Kabul on Monday, accusing President Ashraf Ghani’s government of cutting them out of a multi-million dollars power transmission line project.
Protester had waved banners and chanted “death to discrimination”, angry that the 500kV power transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul would not pass through Bamyan and Wardak provinces, which have large Hazara populations.
Officials said, two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts at a large gathering of demonstrators of the local Shia Hazara minority in Deh Mazang square.
They said, the demonstrators were marching to demand changes to the route of a planned power line. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was deeply saddened over the incident.
He said, peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack, killing and injuring a number of citizens including some security forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack on innocent civilians in Kabul.
In a series of tweets, Mr Modi expressed his condolence over the loss of lives and injuries in the senseless violence. He said, India stands with Afghanistan in resolutely opposing all forms of terrorism.
‘Death to discrimination’
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was “deeply saddened”, adding: “Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack, killing and injuring a number of citizens including some security forces.”