Kapisa governor vows to protect civilians

MEHMOOD RAQI (PAN): The newly-appointed governor for central Kapisa province on Tuesday said he would talk to the foreign troops about protecting civilians during their operations against militants.

Gen. Mehrabuddin Sapi told Pajhwok Afghan News he wanted to discuss the issue of civilian casualties in airstrikes with foreign troops to prevent such incidents in the future.

Identifying security of local population as his top priority, the governor said foreign troops must launch their offensives in consultation and cooperation with local authorities.

He believed security organs could not succeed in their efforts without public support. “I will hold detailed talks with tribal elders from Tagab, Alasai and Nijrab districts to muster their support.”

The governor said he would direct security officials to behave well with residents during operations. He confirmed the presence of foreign militants, including Chechens, Arabs, Pakistanis and Uzbeks, in Tagab and Alasai.

The two districts border Laghman province, from where the rebels sneaked, Sapi said, adding he would discuss the infiltration with security officials.

He said the peace process was satisfactorily underway in the province, and efforts were being made to involve more tribal elders to make the campaign a success.

On reconstruction projects, the governor said he would utilise all his energies to initiate development schemes. Some projects had already been completed and French troops in Tagab had pledged $5.50 million in assistance for more schemes, he concluded.

ma/mud

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