MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Residents of the Andkhoi district of northern Faryab province on Wednesday praised security forces for maintaining security during last fall’s presidential election and purging the area of militants.
Security forces were praised at a huge gathering attended by the district chief, local influential figures and Wolesi Jirga and provincial council members, who presented flower bouquets to men in police uniform.
The  town borders Turkmenistan and is surrounded by four districts.
Addressing the gathering, lawmaker Bashir Ahmad Tayenj said: “We consider it our duty to support our security forces who effectively maintained security for the elections. The Afghan forces have been in the lead and successful in their operations after the security transition from foreign troops.”
The Wolesi Jirga member said they had formed a group in the assembly to lobby for the establishment of a trust fund “Soldier” and a day to be in name of security forces in the calendar.
“We have presented the proposal to the national assembly and hopefully the trust fund will be established soon to assist and treat the injured soldiers.”
Andkhoy district chief Sultan Sanjar said residents should support Afghan security forces who independently protected the country.
The Afghan forces have taken security responsibilities nationwide by the end of last year, when the NATO-led combat mission was replaced by the Resolute Support mission aimed at training and advising Afghan forces.
Col. Ali Mohammad, a border police commander, said: “The support from public representatives, local elders and youths boosts our morale to fight until the last breath.”
Mohammad Nasim, a policeman in Farah, said he was happy that people praised their sacrifices and paid tributes to them by presenting flower bouquets. “I promise to fight the enemy to the last breath."
ra/ma/mud