Governor scotches rumours of Taliban influence

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The governor of southern Helmand province on Sunday scotched rumours that some northern areas had been overrun by militants.

Governor Mohammad Naeem expressed these views at a meeting with Helmand police chief Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hakim Angar in the provincial capital.

Security had been tightened and Afghan forces were competent enough to open all roads leading to district centres, he told journalists.

Naeem acknowledged militants had been trying to close in on Sangin and Greshk districts but their designs were foiled by security forces.

The government’s writ was visible in many parts of the province, where development activities were also ongoing. He alleged some elements were spreading rumours in Kabul but he gave no further details.

Angar said provincial police were ready to maintain security during the elections and would take steps to ensure security of the 10 polling stations facing security threats.

He claimed local security forces had eliminated opium cultivated by militants on 11,000 acres of land.

In the past, the Taliban used to halt attacks in the winter but this time they continued anti-state activities, he said. But police were giving the rebels a tough time, he concluded.

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