Insecurity in Faryab a matter of concern: Officials

MAIMANA (PAN): Official of the United Nations and provincial council members on Sunday expressed grave concern over the killing of aid workers some days back, saying that security has been deteriorated in northwestern Faryab province.

Suspected Taliban Kot district of Faryab province, which borders Turkmenistan.

The men were dragged from their car before being gunned down six kilometers from Maimana, the provincial capital, on their way to Almar district, police said.

The Paris-headquartered relief agency has been active in Faryab on projects in areas of reconstruction and vocational training.

Similarly, a day before the killing of ACTED workers, head of Abu Muslim Reconstruction Company was shot dead on Almar-Qaisar road.    

In the backdrop of growing insecurity, locals demanded the government to adopt fresh measures to control the fast-spreading lawlessness in the province.

Abdul Qudos Qalich, provincial council head, told Pajhwok Afghan News he alongwith his colleagues held a detailed meeting with the provincial governor and asked him to employ all measures to bolster security.

Faryab Governor Muhammadullah Batash promised security and law and order would be enhanced by working out a new strategy.

He said a high powered delegation from Kabul was scheduled to arrive in Maimana in the next two days to assess the security situation.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered in the provincial capital, Maimana, the other day demanding the removal of security officials. They threatened to launch series of protests if their demands were not accepted.

Maulvi Gul Ahmad, a local, complained about rampant corruption among government officials and their inefficiency adding: “Thousands of security forces discharge their duties in Faryab but they cannot face only 300 to 400 militants.”

Maj. Gen. Nabi Jan Mula Khail, provincial police chief, said he would utilize all resources to bolster security, adding that slain ACTED employees were gone to the area without informing police officers.

Provincial official of the United Nations has warned increasing attacks against aid workers in Afghanistan.

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