ANOTHER HEINOUS ATTACK IN KABUL

Cowards have struck again in Afghanistan. The terror attack in capital Kabul during the ongoing voter registration process that claimed several innocent lives, besides leaving many injured, is yet another heinous and reprehensible act by those who seek to derail the democratic process in the country. The explosion destroyed cars and shattered windows in nearby buildings, leaving rubble strewn across the blood-stained street. Among the dead were women and children. One wonders what is this insanity all about. Do not Afghan people deserve a peaceful life?

It was at least the third attack on a voter registration centre since April 14 when authorities began a two-month process to register up to 14 million adults ahead of parliamentary and district council elections.

Unfortunately, repeated warnings that militants could try to disrupt the election process have not been taken as seriously as they should have been by the authorities.

Civilians have suffered beyond imagination. Armed conflict killed 763 civilians and injured 1,495 in the first three months of this year alone, as per United Nations statistics.

The 2,258 civilian casualties, documented from Jan.1 to March 31 by the UN Assistance Mission in the country, known as UNAMA, are at the similar levels recorded in the first three months of 2017 and 2016.

Anti-government elements caused 1,500 civilian casualties, up six per cent from the same period last year.

President Ashraf Ghani’s government has been under international pressure to ensure long-delayed parliamentary polls take place this year.

Security continues to remain a major concern because the Taliban and other militant groups still control or contest large swathes of the country.

Afghan police and troops have been tasked with protecting polling centres, even as they struggle to get the upper hand against insurgents on the battlefield.

The common people have been enduring endless suffering for years. Families have been torn apart in meaningless violence and there seems to be no respite.

The country has been bleeding for too many years and the thought that 2018 may be another bloody year could send shivers down the spine of all peace-loving people.

The world cannot watch in silence forever when so many civilians are repeatedly targeted for such vicious and violent attacks.

The enemies of peace and democracy in Afghanistan should never be given a chance to win.

Extremists should in no way be allowed to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right by taking part in elections.