Afghans stone Chaman border gate at India's behest, Pakistan shuts down trade, Nato supplies in response

CHAMAN: Dozens of Afghans Friday staged a rally against Pakistan on their Independence Day and pelted the Bab-e-Dosti gate with stones at Chaman border.

The Afghan security forces were also present on this occasion. However, they did not stop the Afghan citizens from pelting stones at the Bab-e-Dosti gate due to which the glass on the gate shattered. The angry protesters also burnt the Pakistani flag.

In retaliation, the FC closed down the Bab-e-Dosti gate due to which trade across the border came to a complete halt.

The protest was held in reaction to a similar protest tribes on the Pakistan side had held yesterday denouncing Indian Prime Minister Modi’s statement on Balochistan.

Long queues of NATO trucks and other vehicles could be seen at the border due to which traders faced immense difficulties.

Modi had sparked controversy on the Indian Independence Day on August 15 when he had alleged that Pakistan was a supporter of ‘terrorism’ and that the people of Balochistan, Gilgit and Kashmir had thanked him in the past few days.

Rallies in Balochistan were held following the controversial speech by Indian Prime Minister. A resolution was unanimously passed against Modi in Legislative assembly of Gilgit Baltistan.

Tensions had flared at Torkham earlier in July when Pakistan decided to construct a gate to monitor movement of goods and passengers across the border. Firing by Afghan forces had killed a Pakistan major and injured several. Construction of the gate was completed in August.