The killing of 10 members of a family in Kabul on Friday evening has angered members of Meshrano Jirga (the Upper House of Parliament) and on Sunday a number of senators slammed police’s failure in ensuring people’s security.

According to the senators, the police have failed to safeguard people’s lives and that it is better that the Interior Ministry distributes weapons to every household for them to maintain their own security. 

Friday evening’s attack, which took place in Kabul’s Khairkhana area in PD15, was sharply criticized by the senators. 

“I urge the officials to immediately arrest the assassinators and bring them to justice. They should be punished, it should be a lesson for other killers,” senator Mohammad Azim Qoyash said. 

“If they (police) cannot maintain security and people’s lives are in danger, then people should be allowed to carry weapons. Weapons licenses should be given to them and they should have a weapon in their house for their own protection,” senator Mahuddin Monsif said. 

Meanwhile, a number of Kabul residents have said the government must collect those weapons being held by irresponsible persons and from those who don't have licenses for the weapons they hold. 

According to Kabul residents, people holding weapons freely walk in Kabul streets and frighten people. This must end, they say. 

“(Some) people have weapons and knives in their pockets,” Abdul Farooq, a Kabul resident said. 

“There is no one to investigate or follow up the crimes. Here a person gets shot and only when everything has finished, the police arrive,” Jawed, another resident of Kabul said. 

“Such crimes are committed by those who are supported by the people in high positions in government,” Mahmoud, another resident of Kabul said. 

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has meanwhile said they are seriously investigating Friday evening’s killing and also the process of renewing weapons licenses cards is being undertaken. 

“We will collect the licenses and weapons of those people who are not eligible for holding weapons,” MoI spokesman Najib Danish said. 

Interior ministry earlier said that around 90,000 weapons have been distributed all over the country and only the licenses of 45,000 weapons have been extended. With the completion of renewing weapons licenses cards, these weapons licenses also should be renewed. 

.According to Interior Ministry, distribution of the new licenses for weapons will be finalized in four phases and within six months