Senators ready for jihad against Pakistan

KABUL’s regular paramilitary forces had attacked the Dangam district of Kunar and asked the government to provide the uprising group with support.

Even some members of the upper house, including its chairman, offered to go to the embattled eastern district to fight there alongside the residents against Pakistani invaders.

Officials in Kunar said about 2,000 insurgents, mostly Pakistanis, resumed their attacks on Tuesday morning on posts established by members of uprising group.

As fierce clashes continued, armed insurgents set alight 30 houses of uprising members in the district, officials and residents said.

Governor Shuja-ul-Mulk Jalala confirmed heavy clashes were underway in Dangam and said security forces had been sent to support the locals but landmines planted in the area impeded progress.

Rafiullah Haidari, a representative of Kunar in the Senate, said over 2,000 Pakistani militiamen had launched attacks on Dangam district. “Pakistan has stopped firing rockets for a month but Islamabad has now started an all-out attack.”

Muhammad Amin Sapi, another lawmaker from Kunar, said the government had not yet supported the Dangam people. Inaction would lead soon to Dangam’s fall to the Pakistani militia, he warned.

“A number of people have been killed during the last three days. In addition, crops have been destroyed and schools closed,” he added.

“You have not seen the weapons being used by the Pakistani militia in Dangam. You will be astonished to see the arms. They are not Taliban,” he observed.

Faridi Kochi, a public representative from northern Balkh province, said: “I am shocked to see the situation in Kunar. The government should go if it cannot defend Kunar.”

 “Pakistani militiamen and their agents have launched attacks on Dangam,” said Chairman Fazal Hadi Muslimyar, who accused the government of failing to keep its promise to address the issue.

“The Pakistanis have set alight civilian houses in Kunar. Terror and harassment have been Pakistan’s policy. As an Afghan, I’m ready to wage jihad against Pakistan in Kunar,” he remarked.   

While asking the government to come to the rescue of Kunar residents without delay, the chairman said the government had been unable to sort out its problems with Pakistan. 

At least 17 fighters, including six foreigners, had been killed in the Dangam fighting, the Ministry of Defence said, adding Afghan soldiers were supporting the locals.

But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the Pakistanis were fighting in Dangam. The Taliban seized another three security posts in the district this morning, he claimed.

rm/mud

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