Wedding bombing: Afghanistan postpones 100th Independence Day celebrations

Afghanistan, Independence Day, kabul wedding suicide bombing, taliban, daesh

Kabul - Suicide bombing at a Kabul wedding hall killed 63 people on Saturday night.

Published: Mon 19 Aug 2019, 8:24 AM

Updated: Mon 19 Aug 2019, 8:28 PM

By
IANS

The Afghan government has postponed celebrations to commemorate the 100th Independence Day of Afghanistan which was scheduled for Monday in the historic Dar-ul-Aman Palace.

Presidential spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi said the Secretariat tasked to organise the 100th Independence Celebrations of Afghanistan has postponed the event as per President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani's instructions in a bid to pay respect to families of deadly bombing attack victims in Kabul, reported Khaama Press.

Sediqqi further added that that the President will deliver a speech and lay wreath in Independence Minaret to honour the 100th Independence Day of Afghanistan and pay tribute to the martyrs of the freedom.

This comes as a suicide bomber targeted a wedding ceremony in West of Kabul city late on Saturday night killing 63 or wounding 182.

Meanwhile, the victims of the deadly bombing were buried on Sunday. Most of them were laid to rest in groups.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in a statement said: " I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall.

I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred.
- Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) August 18, 2019

"My top priority, for now, is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack," reported Tolo News.

For those who are wounded, I pray for your speedy recovery. I have ordered the relevant authorities to urgently assist in managing the wounded. In response to this targeted attack I have called an extraordinary security meeting to review and prevent such security lapses.
- Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) August 18, 2019

Taleban in a statement rejected any involvement in the attack and said they condemn the incidents which target women and children.

But Afghan President Ghani said, "Taleban cannot absolve themselves of blame because they provide a platform for terrorists."

Taliban cannot absolve themselves of blame, for they provide platform for terrorists. Today is the day of mourning, hence #StateBuilder have cancelled today's gathering at the Loya Jirga tent.
- Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) August 18, 2019

Wedding bombing: Afghanistan postpones 100th Independence Day celebrations

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