Rassoul vows to disarm warlords

KUNDUZ CITY/ZARANJ (Pajhwok): Dr. Zalmai Rassoul on Tuesday warned warlords and strongmen against violating human rights, saying the perpetrators violators would be punished.  

Addressing thousands of people at a gathering in Kunduz City, Rassoul promised to ensure security, combat corruption, enforce the rule of law and disarm armed individuals if he won the April 5 vote.

Kunduz is one of the provinces where thousands of armed individuals are active in a number of districts, including Khanabad. Residents often complain of harassments and usurpation of their property.  

The candidate said construction of retaining walls along Amor River was his agenda. Flooding in the river destroys hundreds of hectares of agricultural land every year.     

The presidential hopeful said investment in Sher Khan dry port, irrigation of the Abadan plains through canals, rehabilitation of the Spinzar factory, strengthening private and agriculture sectors were among his priorities, he explained.  

He asked the Independent Election Commission to pave ground for transparent elections and prevent rigging.

Ahmad Zia Massoud, Rassoul’s first vice-president, urged people to participate in the elections. “The way you showed your mettle during the jihad and resistance period, prove your courage during the election and cast your votes.” 

Habiba Sarabi, Rassoul’s choice for second VP, said the Afghans had experienced hardships and their team — committed to justice, equity and reconstruction — would measure up to popular aspirations.  

According to another report, hundreds of people assured Rassoul of their support at a public meeting in Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province.

Mohammad Aslam, one of the participants, said: “Suffering and misery are now behind us. Rassoul will keep his promises. We support him as future president.”

ra/mud

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