Only 20 of 75 Charkh policemen turn up for duty

PUL-I-ALM (Pajhwok): Of a total of 75 policemen, only 20 are on duty in the Charkh district of central Logar province, with salaries of the absent men going to local officials, the town’s administrative chief alleged on Sunday.

Khalilullah Kamal told Pajhwok Afghan News officials, in connivance with the absent policemen, officials were drawing their salaries. However, He did not identify the officials getting the windfall.

“The absent policemen are either living in their homes or with senior figures but their salaries end up in pockets of some officials,” the district chief noted. How a small force could ensure law and order in the locality, he questioned.

The Afghan National Army (ANA) has 80-soldier corps there. Maj. Mohibullah, the district police chief, confirmed having a 75-man force but only 20 turned up for duty.

In this situation, around 90% area is being controlled by Taliban and “we are on the defensive, guarding our check posts. If we are provided with more policemen and equipment, the militants will be flushed out.”

Col. Abdul Wali Toofan, the police chief for Logar, said: “I categorically condemn corruption and absenteeism. But I cannot share with you the police strength. Yes, we are faced with a shortage of policemen in Charkh.”

rm/mud

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