PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): The provincial council of northern Baghlan province criticized local governance amid complains that Taliban’s influence has gaining momentum even inside the capital of the province.
Provincial council head Mohammad Safdar Mohsini told Pajhwok Afghan News that militants were active in Wazirabad areas of Pul-i-Khumri City, the provincial capital, and they were inciting locals against government.
He shared the issue time and again with security officials during their meetings but no attention could be paid to ameliorate the situation.
“The local government is weak and has no coordination to take bold decisions against Taliban,” he said, adding that local administration should deploy security forces in the areas under militants’ threat.
He warned rebels would block Pul-i-Khumri- Mazar-i-Sharif highway if they extended their sway to Huma Sharif locality of Pul-i-Khumri city.
Mohsini added that Taliban had obtained heavy weapons and they could pose a threat to the provincial capital even.
A month ago, militants fired 12 rockets from Dand Ghori area into Pul-i-Khumri City that left two persons dead and over 10 wounded.
Provincial council members and residents had previously warned the government to clear Dand Ghori area of insurgents otherwise they would disrupt Pul-i-Khumri security.
Abdul Rahim, a resident of Wazirabad area, said: “We cannot go outside after 7: 00 pm, because there is a strong possibility of fight between militants and Afghan forces.”
He said that Taliban were parking their cars on the Pul-i-Khumri- Mazar-i-Sharif highway and then searches people.
He said that one of his relatives was stopped and kidnapped by militants but he was released after mediation by elders.
Residents of Doshi and Talaw Barfak also expressed concerns over spiraling insecurity.
The provincial council secretary Samiuddin Nazir said that militants have increased their influence in some parts of the districts and incite people against the government and campaign for Jihad.
“If government officials do not take action against militants they may increase their presence to Salang area and block Doshi-Kabul highway,” he warned.
However, Baghlan police Chief Col. Abdul Rashid Bashir said police had worked out a plan to conduct operations and clear the areas of rebels.
He said that security forces were arrived in Dand Ghori locality and would soon start clearing operation there.
mds/rm