According to a local education official, two different incidents occurred at primary schools in northern Afghanistan, resulting in approximately 80 girls being poisoned and hospitalized.
It is thought to be the first time this kind of assault has happened since the Taliban swept to power in August 2021 and began their crackdown on the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls, according to The Guardian.
Females are not allowed to continue their studies after completing sixth grade, including college or university. Additionally, they cannot work in many professions or access public areas.
According to Mohammad Rahmani, the head of the education department in the province, there were poisoning incidents in the Sangcharak district. Specifically, 60 students were affected in Naswan-e-Kabod Aab school and 17 others in Naswan-e-Faizabad school.
The two primary schools located near each other were attacked consecutively. The students were quickly transported to the hospital and are reported to be in good condition now.
According to Rahmani, the department is still investigating, but the initial findings suggest that an individual who held a grudge hired someone else to execute the attacks.
Rahmani did not provide any details about how the girls were poisoned or the severity of their injuries. Although he did not disclose their ages, he stated they were in the first to sixth grades.
A Series of Poisonings
Iran has experienced a series of poisonings, particularly in schools for girls, since November last year. Numerous students reported feeling ill due to harmful gases. However, no information has been disclosed about the culprits or the substances involved in these incidents.
The repeated attacks on schools in Iran have raised concerns among parents and educators alike. Many are worried about the safety of their children while they attend school, especially since it appears that these incidents are being carried out intentionally by individuals with malicious intent.
Authorities in Iran have promised to take action against those responsible for the recent poisonings, but many people remain skeptical, given how little information has been released so far. Some worry that there may be more attacks in the future unless something is done to address this issue quickly.
Meanwhile, students affected by these poisonous substances continue to recover from their injuries. While some suffered only minor symptoms such as headaches or nausea, others required hospitalization and prolonged medical treatment.
This ongoing crisis highlights the importance of prioritizing student safety above all else - regardless of political or ideological differences between different societal groups. The well-being of young people must always come first if we want our communities to thrive over time without fear or violence plaguing our daily lives unnecessarily.
