KABUL (SW) – String of terrorist attacks on religious places in the holy month of Ramadan has made Kabul residents fearful about going to public prayers during the Eid Day.
According to Kabul residents, the increase in such attacks, especially in mosques and other religious places, has caused them to fear about praying Eid al-Fitr prayers in public places and mosques.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, the city dwellers emphasized that insecurity is one of their main concerns for attending Eid prayers, and they do not want themselves or their loved ones to fall victim to another bloody event.
“I do not think I will go to the mosque for Eid prayers after these explosions and suicide attacks that we saw,” said Siddiqullah, a Kabul resident. “Because I’m afraid of losing my life in one of these events. This is a big risk. I would rather be at home and pray.”
Visiting friends, acquaintances and relatives is another Eid ritual, however, it seems that the deteriorating security situation and the occurrence of explosions have also had a negative impact on the movement of people. Residents of the capital say that due to increasing insecurity, they do not dare to leave the house and can not move around with complete confidence.
Mehriyeh, another Kabul resident, is apprehensive about holding Eid ceremonies and commuting. “I can not go to a relative’s house on Eid,” she said. “Because I am afraid that this will happen again”.
We wanted to share the concerns of the people about the security situation with the officials of the Islamic Emirate and ask them about ensuring the security of the citizens during Eid, but our calls were not answered.
In response to the blasts, Mette Knudsen, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General/Political in UNAMA, said the recent attacks on civilians aimed at targeting ethnic and religious minorities reflect a worrying trend in Afghanistan. “This is a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law and must end immediately.”
Thomas West, the US State Department’s special envoy to Afghanistan, called the attack “horrific.” Amnesty International also responded to the attack by saying that Ramadan in Afghanistan was being ‘bloodied’.
The Islamic Emirate, which is responsible for ensuring the security of the citizens, has also condemned the attack, stating that such crimes are the work of circles that have nothing to do with Islam and the country.
ENDS
