Image Credit: EPA : An Afghan policeman aims at protestors after they burnt a police vehicle during a protest against the Quran burning by US troops, in Herat on Friday.
February 24, 2012
KABUL (PAN): Several Afghans were killed and wounded during protests in different parts of the country on Friday over the burning of the holy Quran at a US military base in central Parwan province, officials and witnesses said.
Hundreds of furious residents, mostly youths carrying white and green flags, staged a demonstration in the Pul-i-Charkhi area of Kabul, torching police booths. Trying to enter the city, the men were dispersed by police, who fired into the air.
"We are here to defend our religion, but policemen are firing at us," said one of the protestors, Siddiqullah, who claimed that four people were killed and eight others injured. The protest continued till 5pm.
Brig. Gen. Muhammad Zahir, head of the criminal investigation branch at the 101st Asmayee Police Zone, said only two men had been injured, as security personnel tried to control the situation.
Elsewhere in the country, protests turned violent in Samkani and Zadran districts of southeastern Paktia province. Three protestors and two policemen were injured in clashes, residents said. Thousands of people also took to the streets in neighbouring Khost province.
In western Herat province, officials said, three protestors were killed in clashes with police. Seeking to storm the US consulate in the provincial capital, angry individuals set alight police vehicles, said a government official, who did not want to be named.
At least one man was killed while seven others were injured during a similar protest in Pul-i-Khumri, the capital of northern Baghlan province. Almost 5,000 people participated in the demonstration after Juma prayers.
"My affection for the security forces has come to an end after their shooting," Naseer, a protestor wounded in police fire, told Pajhwok Afghan News. He claimed Bashir, 18, was shot dead by police
Dr Nisar Ahmad confirmed one dead body and seven injured people, including three Afghan soldiers, had been brought to the Baghlan Civil Hospital.
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