GHAZNI CIYY (PAN): Renewing their threat to disrupt Thursday's presidential and provincial council elections, Taliban have warned to 'close for ever' the schools and health centres used as polling stations.
Taliban aired the warning on their FM radio 'Shariat Ghag' (Voice of Shariah) in the southern province of Ghazni Sunday night. The radio that went on the air a month ago could be heard in five districts of the province.
A Qarabagh district resident named Mohammad Hanif said the Taliban also asked the people not to participate in the elections.
The rebels vowed to block all the roads two days ahead of Election Day and those who tried to take part in the polls would face their wrath, the resident added.
Commenting on the fresh warning, AIEC regional office head in the province Abdul Bari Rahimi said the commission had an agreement with the Ministries of Education and Health in this regard.
He added elaborate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard the health centres and schools where voting would be held.
However, Education Director Hassan Mubarak said he would not allow polling in schools situated in troubled areas.
Public Health Director Zia Gul said the ministry had told them to cooperate with the Independent Election Commission.
The warning from the Taliban came as most of the polling stations are established in schools and heath centres in the restive parts of the province.
The militants recently warned people through night letters. Some of the letters were seen in mosques in Ghazni City.
A resident of the city, Sharifullah, 40, said he had read the letter. He added the Taliban had warned people against participating in the elections and also threatened attacks on polling stations.
A parliamentarian from Ghazni, Daud Sultanzoy, expressed concerns about the security situation on voting day. He believed the vote might not take place in a smooth and trouble-free manner.
"Excluding in two districts, elections cannot be held in all other districts of the province, including its capital," observed Sultanzoy. In such circumstances, he feared, the credibility of elections could come under question.
Taliban have warned to shut the bazaars and roads leading to polling stations in the districts. Zabihullah Mujahid said the fighters would block all the roads to stop the movement of people.
Ismail Jehangir, the spokesman for the governor, described the Taliban threats as irresponsible, saying the rebels had waged a war on the people.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News Afghan army and police were capable of maintaining security on highways, roads and at polling stations.
Jehangir appealed to the people to bravely participate in the elections for the sake of the country's future.
ma