The Mumbai Press Club and journalist community is shocked and concerned about target killings of journalists in Afghanistan. In the last two months six journalists including a woman journalist were assassinated by the terrorists belonging to the Taliban, Islamic State (IS) and others.

The assassination of journalists is to silence the free voice and freedom of expression. The terrorists wants media to toe their line and not criticise militants.

The new year began with a killing of Besmullah Adel Aimaq, editor-in-chief of Voice of Ghor radio in the central province of Ghor. He was also attacked last month but he survived.

Malalai Maiwand, a woman journalist at Enikass TV and Radio, was assassinated last month in Jalalabad when she was on her way to the office. Her mother was an activist and she was shot dead five years ago.

Last month Rahamatullah Nekzad, head of Ghazni Journalists Union, was shot dead in Ghazni. In November former TV presenter Yama Siawash was killed when a bomb attached to his car exploded in Kabul. Aliyas Dayee, a reporter with Radio Liberty, was killed in a car bomb attack. Rafi Seddiqi of Khorshid TV and Fardin Amini of Ariana News TV were also assassinated.

We appeal Afghanistan government to look into the security of journalists and provide them. Confidence should be given to the journalist community so they can work without any fear.

We also urge Afghan government to put pressure on Taliban, with whom peace dialogue is on, to accept ceasefire and stop killing of innocents including journalists.

Secretary
Mumbai Press Club