HERAT CITY (SW): Supporters of Ismail Khan, former minister and Mujahedeen leader, celebrated the anniversary of ‘Victory Day’ against the former Soviet Union with gun fires and display of arms on the roads in Herat which has irked the citizens.
Every year, the 18th of April is celebrated as the ‘Victory of Mujahideen’ against the former Soviet Union in Herat. Like every year, supporter of Ismail Khan poured to the streets with vehicles, motorcycles, and horses to celebrate the day with fireworks, but this time they live ammunition was used in a bid to demonstrate strength that irked the citizens. Authorities at the Herat city public hospital have said 5 persons, including a woman and a child were injured due to celebratory shootings by supporters of Khan.
Mohammad Rafiq Shahir, a political analyst, has said those who were involved in the celebratory shootings should be apprehended by authorities. Abdul Qader Kamil, another expert, warned that the inability and silence of authorities in the province emboldens lawless men.
Residents of Herat have said besides the groups of armed men associated with Khan, policemen have also been seen shooting in the air form their posts and stations. The worrisome sounds of non-stop firing sparked fears among the locals, and many thought supporters of Khan are engaged in armed clashed with those backing another politician Kamran Alizayi, the head of Herat council.
Abdul Ahad Walizada, provincial police headquarters spokesman, has said a commission to investigate the shootings has been formed in a bid to arrest the culprits.
ENDS
