Roundup: Afghan gov't tightens security ahead of Eid-ul-Fitar to ensure peaceful festival

Afghan government has put in place all necessary security measures ahead of Eid-ul-Fitar, the second annual religious festival to mark the end of Muslims holy month Ramadan.

According to Muslim tradition, the Ramadan this year will end on Wednesday.

In all major cities including the capital city of Kabul, police have been deployed in sensitive areas and are on high alert to check any possible subversive activities elsewhere in the militancy-plagued Afghanistan.

To prevent any possible terrorist acts in Kabul, the security forces began checking cars and suspicious individuals entering the city and similar security measures have been put in place in major cities, according to the officials.

"All necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure security and facilitate the people to celebrate Eid festivals in a peaceful environment," spokesman for Interior Ministry Sediq Sediqqi told local media.

Taliban new leader Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada in his message on the advent of Eid-ul-Fitar on Saturday to the people of Afghanistan vowed to continue the course of action of his predecessors Mullah Mohammad Omar and Mawlawi Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor, which means blood shedding in the eyes of Afghans.

Eid-ul-Fitar falls on Wednesday and the Eid festivals continue for three days, during which all public and private offices are closed.

Both state-owned and private media outlets including radio and television channels are airing a variety of entertaining programs including stage shows, musicals, local and foreign serials and movies during the Eid holidays.

Afghans from all walks of life want Taliban to refrain from committing violent incidents at least during Eid holidays and enabling people to enjoy the Eid festivals.

"Killing people is forbidden in Islam and my request from Taliban is to respect Islamic values and at least allow us to take easy breathes on Eid holidays," Kabul dweller Mohammad Haroon told Xinhua.

Religious scholar Mohammad Nabi in talks with Xinhua also denounced violence and urged the Taliban fighters to "cease killing faithful Muslims at least during Eid festivals."

Security measures have also been beefed up in the major city of Kandahar in the south and the larger northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif and western Herat city, according to police officials. Endit