KABUL - Religious scholars and civil society activists in Balkh on Saturday raised their voices against this week’s suicide bombing at Kabul’s Supreme Court and the killing of six International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) employees in Jawzjan.
They said the incidents were crimes against humanity.
The activists held a prayer ceremony for those killed and called on government to clamp down on the activities of illegal armed groups and on insurgents. 
“Government must prevent terrorists’ movements which threaten security and stability of citizens,” said Safia Sayes a civil society activist.
“The incident which occurred in Qoshtipa district of Jawzjan does not have any connection with Islam but the name of Islam is misused in this action and therefore as a religious scholar I am criticizing the act,” said Mohammad Arif Wazin a religious scholar.
Balkh civil society activists believe that the existence of illegal armed men and poor governance has led to the increase of violence and human rights violations in the North.
“Illegal armed men under the name of Daesh and Taliban and thieves harm our people and we believe that poor governance has resulted in such incidents that are taking place in the north of the country,” said Abdul Hamid Safowat, head of the Civil Society Network in Balkh.
“Silence by government resulted in the audacity of Daesh and Taliban and if elements who paved the way inside government for the opposition is not eliminated the situation will get worse,” said Najib Paikan, a Balkh civil society activist.
The activists said that in order to prevent terrorist activities the government must strictly monitor security officials and other officials in the districts and provinces. (Tolonews)