KABUL – T*he Afghan Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) lashed out atgovernment on Wednesday over Monday’s airstrike in Dasht-e-Archi in Kunduzthat reportedly killed dozens of civilians. *

This came after the ministry of defense claimed it had targeted a Talibangathering but residents and Taliban rejected the claims, saying the airforce had targeted a civilian gathering at a madrassa.

MPs warned in parliament that continued harm inflicted on civilians willfurther expand the gap between the people and government.

But, the Afghan government said it was conducting a thorough investigationinto the airstrike, that residents claim killed 50 people and wounded atleast 150 others.

“I warn that survivors of the incident will think of fighting against you,”said one MP, Kamal Safai.

“If government wants to fight the Taliban, they can meet the Talibananywhere,” another MP, Habiburrahman Afghan said.

“Rocket attacks still continue against the people,” another MP Zahir Qadeersaid.

Meanwhile, some other lawmakers said the lack of intelligence reports,about military operations, is one of the key reasons for the high civiliancasualty toll in the country.

“There is not doubt that the Taliban were also present there, but to behonest, such a move against a madrassa, where religion is taught, is notacceptable,” parliament speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi said.

“Summon the president, summon the minister of defense and head of thenational directorate of security and asked them why they are killingordinary people,” MP Allah Gul Mujahid said.

Another MP Mullah Tarahkhail Mohammadi meanwhile said: “The bombardment wasvery oppressive.”

In conclusion lawmakers asked government to share the findings of itsinvestigation with the public.