Over 31 killed in Kabul's twin blasts during 'power line' protest

Kabul, July 23 (ANI): More than 31 people were killed and scores injured after twin blasts rocked Kabul's Dehmazang Circle this afternoon during protests over the government's planned 500 kv power line project through Salang. Preliminary reports suggest at least 170 people have also sustained injuries after three suicide bombers targeted the demonstration participants, reports the Tolo News. Officials said that over 160 people are being treated at government hospitals and more than 40 are being treated at private hospitals. As per the police, one suicide bomber successfully detonated his explosives while the second bomb, which did explode, had been defective. The third bomber was killed at the scene by the security force members before he could detonate his vest. Reports suggest that at least one bomber had been wearing a burqa. Tolo news tweeted that at least three police chiefs from PD1, PD3 and PD6 in Kabul were also among the injured. Reports say that casualty is expected to rise. The demonstrators gathered earlier to protest over the planned 500kV power line project that government intends to roll out. The project will see a new power line run from Turkmenistan through Salang to Kabul, but the protestors want the power line to be routed through Bamiyan instead. Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack and sent condolences to the victims and the families of victims. The Amnesty International also condemned the attack, saying this horrific attack on a group of peaceful protestors in Kabul demonstrates the utter disregard that armed groups have for human life.(ANI)