JALALABAD: Insurgents linked to the militant Islamic State (IS) group have launched an anti-government radio station in Afghanistan to promote IS and attract new recruits, Afghan media reported.
The radio station “Voice of the Caliphate” broadcasts in Pashto through Nangarhar provincial capital Jalalabad and other districts, Nangarhar provincial council members, MPs and residents confirmed.
The broadcasting location is unknown but the provincial governor’s spokesman Attaullah Khogyani has said that efforts are under way to get the station off air.
“This radio is broadcasting from across the border and we had talks and maybe we reach a good result and remove the radio,” Khogyani said without clarifying with whom talks had been held.
The broadcast content includes anti-establishment messages calling on the youth to turn against the government and join the ranks of IS.
Nangarhar provincial council member Nasir Kamawal said, “It is clear they [IS] have their own radio and I think it is broadcasting… and doing too much anti-government propaganda.”
MP Fridon Khan Mohmand said, “This radio will have a negative impact on us and the new generation and youth.”
Residents who have tuned in to the station say IS broadcasts a message of militancy against the government and encourages youths to fight the administration.
