LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The government has no specific strategy for strengthening security in southern Helmand province, public representatives and civil society representatives complain.
In the absence of such a plan, insecurity was on the rise in the province, they said at the overnight launch of a movement called “How we can rescue Helmand” in Lashkargah. 
Mohammad Karim Atal, head of the movement and the provincial council, noted deterioration of the security environment in recent months in Helmand in general and northern districts in particular.
The government’s security plan for Helmand was far from clear, he alleged, stressing the rulers should have a well-defined position on the issue of national importance.
Atal called for enhanced coordination among security forces and provision of services to the masses in accordance with the law. The movement would offer the government suggestions on how to boost security.
“Initially, we ask the rulers through media to strengthen security in Helmand. If their call is not heeded, our youth will stage demonstrations in Kabul,” the provincial council head warned.
Ahmad Shakir, head of the provincial council’s security committee, claimed: “The central government is subjecting Helmand to step-motherly treatment. Small issues facing other provinces are taken seriously, but Helmand has been in flames for years, receiving no attention.”
Some days back, he recalled, they had met Chief Executive Officer Abdullah and other government leaders on the security challenge. They had promised taking up the Helmand security issue at a cabinet meeting.
“But as far as I know, the question has not been raised at any meeting of the Council of Ministers. The authorities have forgotten Helmand,” Shakir charged, asking Kabul to deal with the situation before things spun out of control.
Civil society leader Sardar Mohammad told the gathering the government must pay greater attention to the situation in Helmand. He also proposed a positive change at the administrative level to improve the security environment.
Helmand University teacher Noor Ahmad Aimal grumbled resident of the restive province did not have adequate access to basic civic services. “Insecurity is a bane of our lives; we have no facilities. The university has no proper building.
“The teaching-learning process is lacklustre. There are no worthwhile economic projects ongoing in Helmand, where unemployment is increasing with each passing day,” he remarked.
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