Ex-security officials come in for flak

JALALABAD (PAN): Residents and tribal elders of the Khogyani district of eastern Nangarhar province on Sunday accused former security officials of dereliction of duty.

At a meeting, which was also attended by Nangarhar’s newly-appointed police chief Brig. Gen. Fazal Ahmad Sherzad, voiced their dissatisfaction with former district officials’ performance.

Haji Tor Jan, the tribal council head for Khogyani district, told Pajhwok Afghan News all security problems in the past had been created by former officials.

He said residents would support the newly-appointed officials if they did not follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.

A tribal elder, Haji Sayed Nabi, said residents were concerned at the fast-deteriorating security situation in the province.

“We waited for the day when senior officials would come here and meet us. It’s the first time a senior official has arrived in Khogyani to assess our problems,” he remarked.

Nabi urged the government to prioritise the fight against militants and efforts at bringing lasting stability to the district.

Gen. Sherzad said the aim of his trip to the restive district was to address the security problem in Nangarhar, especially in Khogyani.

“It is 20 days that I was posted as Nangarhar police chief. I have since been visiting various places. I won’t tolerate insecurity,” he added.

The police head plans to send another 80 Afghan Local Police (ALP) members to the district to strengthen the security situation there.

“I do not let rebels to roam about the area; all those fuelling insecurity in the district would be stringently punished,” he warned.

Khogyani district chief, Haji Hassan, admitted security problems but said security officials had started taking notice of militant activities and threats were gradually decreasing.

“I request tribal elders to stand united in addressing security concerns,” he said, adding new plans had been devised to ensure next year’s elections were conducted in a peaceful environment.

Gen. Sherzad, accompanied by a delegation, also visited troubled areas and security posts in the district. He promised the number of security posts in the district would be jacked up.

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