Lawmakers in the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) on Sunday warned that fueling ethnic sentiments and ethnic-based politics will further deteriorate the situation, and instead called on the Afghan people and politicians to promote national unity and solidarity.
In today’s session, the administrative board of parliament slammed ethnic-based politics in the country and said it was an act of treason.
“If such discussions are held in parliament, then what is the difference between us (lawmakers) and the terrorists, because the terrorist detonates bombs and we pave the way for their actions by dividing ethnicities,” said MP Mohammad Nazir Ahmadzai.
“Provoking ethnic division and feelings would have major repercussions for Afghanistan, it is poison for the country and it needs to be tackled,” another MP Abdul Qayoum Sajjadi said.
During Sunday’s parliament session, the lawmakers also sharply criticized the Afghan government, for not tackling ongoing issues, and criticized the international community, particularly the U.S and NATO, for having remained silent over the security situation in Afghanistan.
“If you (international community) are willing to bring us security, then bring it, if you are not willing to do so, then let us do it on our own; we have nothing to do with your dollars and we do not want your money, hundreds of our people are being martyred daily,” said MP Musa Janab.
“The government has failed to secure the Military Hospital, the Army Corps, the directorate of VIP protection and even cannot secure the ARG (Presidential Palace), then how can it secure the safety of the public,” MP, Amanullah Paiman said.
Meanwhile a number of MPs who were in support of Friday’s protest said the move was organized by the people for justice.
“What police and what security personnel were killed by the protestors?” asked another MP Amanullah Paiman.
“Why are they creating conspiracies, why are they trying to stifle the voice of the people.”
“I, as a lawmaker, do not have the right to say the protestors are ignorant and call myself a wise man, thousands of people among them are highly educated people,” said MP Ghulam Hussain Naseri.
Meanwhile parliament convened an emergency meeting on Saturday and Sunday to discuss the ongoing security developments in the country, but they remained split over issues and failed to reach a consensus.