KUNDUZ CITY (PAN): Security forces have launched an operation in the Khanabad district of northern Kunduz province to ensure a peaceful and favourable election environment, an official said on Thursday.
Syed Sarwar Hussaini, a police spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that security forces had captured landmines and an explosives-laden barrel during the operation in Zard Kamar, Chahar Toot and Hussainkhel areas.
Hussain said the operation was aimed to clear the areas where militants still had a presence pace the ground for peacefully conducting the presidential and provincial council elections -- slated for April 2014.
But some residents believed the operation would not produce the desired results. Haji Rozi, an influential figure from the district, claimed hundreds of armed groups were active in Khanabad. They were out to sabotage the polls, he said.
Rozi said the ongoing operation was not a determined effort to curb the militancy. People were worried and would not take part in the election unless the insurgents were driven from the district, he explained.
Karima Sadiqi, a provincial council candidate, is also pessimistic about a high turnout in the election. Peace must be ensured, but security forces had little time to achieve the goal, she observed.
But the police spokesman hoped the Afghan Local Police (ALP) force would be able to boost security before the election in Khanabad, a district 30 kilometres east of Kunduz City. The insecure town also saw a delay in the security transition process.
nh/mud