Candidate backers block Parwan road

CHARIKAR (Pajhwok): Supporters of a losing candidate have blocked a busy highway in central Parwan province over the past three days, creating numerous problems for travellers.

Asmatullah’s backers are not allowing vehicular movement on the Ghorband-Bamyan highway in Siahgird district. The road connects the capital of Parwan, Charikar, with central Bamyan and northern provinces via Surkh Parsa and Sheikh Ali districts.

A driver, Abdul Latif, who had been stuck in Charikar after arriving here from the Seyah Gard district, said armed supporters of the candidate were not allowing traffic to proceed in the Faranjar area.

He said hundreds of vehicles remained stranded in the district bazaar waiting for the route to be reopened.

Crime branch police chief Col. Lotfur Rehman Rashad said a delegation had been sent to the area to reopen the road and prevent Asmatullah’s supporters from the illegal action.

He said provincial authorities had informed the Ministry of Interior about the road blockade. The provincial officials had a meeting before noon to discuss the situation, he said.

Col. Rahman said the candidate should resolve his grievances through legal means and should not resort to illegal actions that created problems for common people.

Asmatullah did not return calls seeking his comments.

Losing provincial council candidates have been protesting since the final results were announced days earlier. Rejecting the results, the candidates say there had been brazen anomalies during the April elections.

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