KABUL - Recent attacks show that militants want to fuel sectarian violence in the country, an investigation commission said on Wednesday after a probe into suicide attacks on religious sites in Kabul.
The report was presented during a National Directorate of Security (NDS) meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani. The Presidential Palace said the meeting was held Tuesday evening.
Around two and a half months ago, 16 people were killed and 54 others wounded in a suicide attack on an Ashura gathering at the Sakhi Shrine in Kabul.
Formed in line with a National Security Council (NSC) decision, the commission was led by the second vice-president and had representatives from second deputy chief executive officer, attorney general office and NSC officials.
Members of the Wolesi Jirga internal security commission, Meshrano Jirga defence and security panel and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) were also part of the probe body.
According to findings of the commission, the main objective behind attacks on religious gatherings is to fuel ethnic clashes and sectarianism in the country.
Member of the commission stressed the need for ethnic and religious solidarity and tasked security institutions with providing necessary security in line its recommendations for future religious events.
During the meeting, progress in implementation of the peace deal between the government and Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) was also discussed. A joint panel overseeing progress in the peace process informed the meeting regarding the latest developments.
Defence and security officials briefed the participants on the overall security situation and lauded the role of security forces and the sacrifices they have rendered in war against terrorism. (Pajhwok)