Bike riding banned in Farah City

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): Bike-riding has been banned in the capital of western Farah province as part of security measures for the April 5 elections, officials said on Wednesday.

The ban led to the closure of hundreds of shops in Farah City because owners failed to reach there. The decision came in response to a recommendation from the provincial Military Council.

Police chief Brig Gen Mohammad Razzaq Yaqubi told Pajhwok Afghan News the ban would remain effective from today (Wednesday) until April 6. The step would help strengthen security, he hoped.

“The enemy usually uses motorcycles in attacks or to transfer explosives,” he said, recalling a campaigner for a provincial candidate was killed by armed motorcyclists two days ago. The attackers were able to flee from the scene.

Razzaq said riding motorcycles was banned in Farah City alone and people could use the conveyance in other areas.

Meanwhile, residents complained the ban had landed them in many problems.

An Information and Culture Department official, Niamatullah Ismaili, said: “I travel to the city on my motorcycle, but today I walked for 15 kilometres to reach office.”

mds/ma

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