Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Afghanistan Commemorates Massoud Day

Afghanistan Commemorates Massoud Day

Massoud Rescued Afghanistan from the Soviet Union: Mohaqiq
Peace could not be achieved with requests: Sayyaf

KABUL - The 11th anniversary of the death of national hero Ahmad Shah Massoud was marked in Kabul on Saturday with a ceremony attended by high-ranking national leaders.

Attending the official ceremony were First Vice President Mohammad Qasim Fahim, acting Defense Minister Inyatullah Nazri, Kabul police chief Mohammad Ayub Salangi, member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq, as well as other cabinet members and jihadi leaders. Those who addressed the attendees praised the work of Massoud and took the opportunity to call for peace.

"Ahmad Shah Massoud was an exceptional person, in fact he rescued Afghanistan from the Soviets union," Mohaqiq said.

Renowned jihadi commander and Head of Dawat Party, Prof. Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf, talking on the occasion challenged international scholars and muftis to offer a justification for suicide attacks. He said, peace could not be achieved with requests, saying practical steps were needed to stabilize the country.

While criticizing the government for failing to deter suicide attackers and insurgents, Sayyaf said: "Nobody will ever dare to commit such assaults if some militants are publicly hanged in Kabul."

Kabul police chief Salangi said that "the Afghan forces are ready to provide the security, and security has been tightened."

The ceremony, held in Ahmad Shah Massoud avenue in east of Kabul under tight security, was held early in the morning before the day's brutal events unfolded.

Meanwhile, violent clashes broke out among two groups in the west of Kabul reportedly divided between a pro and anti Massoud crowd.

Massoud is a figurehead for anti-Taliban groups because he fought against the militant regime until his death on September 9, 2001.

President Hamid Karzai declared him a national hero in 2002 and the anniversary of his death a national holiday. This year the holiday was moved to September 8. (Tolo News)