We want peace: Slogans in support of Afghans echo in Washington DC

Hundreds of people got together in Washington DC, opposite the White House, to rally in support of the people in Afghanistan as the country faces conflict as the Taliban toppled the government on Sunday, according to media reports.

The people, who stood in solidarity with the Afghan diaspora too, carried banners that read “When will we know peace”, “No one is free when Afghan lives are oppressed”, “Save Afghan women“, “Those responsible should be punished” and “Stop terrorist safe havens”, according to reports from Sputnik.

The demonstration commenced around 4 pm on Sunday (local time) and is expected to last till 7 pm. Sputnik reported that law enforcement officials were not seen at the place interfering as the rally did not turn violent. Organisers of the rally told the media outlet that the information about the event was spread through social media on Sunday.

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People of Afghan heritage were seen at the event wearing traditional attire in order to show their support for the people who faced violence back home. Those attending the demonstration were chanting “we want peace”, “we want justice” while holding up their placards, according to reports from Sputnik.

Some people were also seen at the event in Washington DC accompanied by children and elderly parents.

Musa Sidiqi, while speaking to Sputnik officials, said that the event was organised to stand in solidarity with the Afghan and Muslim people.

He said, “Whatever government takes place, we just pray that the local civilians and the people of Afghanistan stop suffering and we pray for a better future for all Afghans, especially the women in Afghanistan, our daughters in Afghanistan, our sisters in Afghanistan.”

The statement added, “We hope that whatever regime, and whatever government takes place allows education, allows schools, allows all equal rights for all humans in Afghanistan”, according to reports from Sputnik.