LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): A number of provincial council members in southern Helmand province allege local officials for ignoring their repeated warning, which led the province to experience deteriorated law and order.
Ebadullah Alizai, provincial council deputy head, told Pajhwok Afghan News they had consulted security officials over security of Musa Kala and other insecure districts, but they were not taken into consideration.
Musa Kala district fell to insurgents on Tuesday night and security forces suffered dozens of casualties.
“Now there is possibility of other northern districts falling to insurgents as well,” warned Alizai. “Through media we have asked the government to suspend the work of officials in these insecure districts and identify the weaknesses but to no avail.”
Alizai warned if local officials remained indifferent towards advices of the provincial council there was a possibility of provincial capital falling to insurgents as well.
He said officials were being hired on nepotism and bribe basis which had added to the problems of the people instead of resolving them. “It’s our duty to hear people’s grievances and convey them to the governor, police chief and other officials. We have done this but the authorities pay no heed.”
Attaullah Afghan, another provincial council member, was also of the opinion that officials did not take them seriously.
He said coordination among security officials was a necessity. “We have 30,000 security forces in Helmand, but thanks to a weak administration they couldn’t be utilized properly. We lose our soldiers on daily basis and the Taliban gain more territory. It is all because of lack of proper management.”
He alleged weapons and ammunitions were sent to Helmand from Pakistan’s Quetta city and Taliban had great influx from there.
“We request president’s deputy Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum who is fighting against Taliban in north come to Helmand as well. If not at least interior or defence minister should come here to fix things,” he added.
Abdul Majid Akhundzada, another PC member and resident of Musa Kala district, said he talked to lawmakers and other officials about the security of his district but still no attention has been paid.
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