KUNDUZ (Pajhwok): The governor of northern Kunduz province has said on Monday mafia circles are major obstacles to construction and security in the province.
Mohammad Omar Safi, while presenting report of his first 6-months activities in office said lack of proper planning by the previous government, presence of Taliban and illegal armed men and drug smuggling were major reasons of insecurity in the province. He has submitted a set of suggestions to the government.
During his period in office, he has been busy tackling e security issues. He said despite having long-term plans for development and reconstruction, certain groups did not let them do their work properly.
Since beginning of the year, security situation has deteriorated in the province with Taliban gaining grounds in some areas resulted in displacement of more than 18,000 families.
The governor complained he could not implement the urban master plan for Kunduz city due to interferences by mafia circles and some powerful individuals in the province.
He did not name anybody but said if the government took coordinated action against them security would be restored in Kunduz.
While taking office, Safi had promised construction of railways, power supply, asphalting of roads, extension of the airport, implementation of the urban master plan for Kunduz city, and construction of the Sher Khan Port residential township.
Amruddin Wali, deputy provincial council head, said what has been done so far by the government was not satisfactory. “Kunduz residents suffer from the conflicts and the government should focus more on security and later on development as well.”
Mohammad Amin, a local elder, said unless security was ensured there would be no chance for reconstruction efforts.
He said Dasht-i-Archi district and Gortapa locality was in control of Taliban and people were getting killed for different reasons there. “Kunduz residents do not need any construction or development. Their only need currently is security.”
The governor said illegal gunmen were the roots for all problems in the province and without controlling them no security would be ensured.
Around 7,000 illegal gunmen and 2,400 insurgents are active in the province, contributing to the insecurity of Kunduz.
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