Nepal condemns suicide bombing that killed scores in Afghanistan

KATHMANDU, APR 20: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has condemned the recent terrorist attack in Jalalabad of Afghanistan, in which scores of people were killed and more than 100 injured, and expressed condolence to Afghanistan on behalf of Nepal and Nepali people.

“The Government of Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” Koirala said in a condolence message sent to Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani today.

A suicide attacker exploded a bomb outside a bank, where government workers collect salaries in the eastern city of Jalalabad, yesterday and caused the casualties, according to news agencies.

At least 36 people died in the explosion and more than 100 were injured.

“It (Government of Nepal) deplores such heinous acts of shameless attack on innocent people and holds the view that terrorism must be firmly and resolutely dealt with wherever and whenever it takes place,” Koirala added. “At this hour of profound grief, I, on behalf of the government and people of Nepal, and on my own behalf, would like to extend heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Your Excellency and through you to the bereaved families.

I also wish an early recovery of those injured in the attack.” Afghan authorities suspect that the Islamic State is responsible for the attack.