Kandahar governor orders swoop on amulet sales, sorcery

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): The governor of southern Kandahar province on Tuesday asked police to crack down on amulet sales, sorcery and other superstitious practices with grave social consequences. 

Chairing a meeting on the security situation in the province at his office here, Dr. Toryalai Weesa called for curbing dodgy activities of amulet sellers, faith-healers and magicians.

He also noted with concern the increasing presence of dancing boys in marriage parties, calling the practice inconsistent with Afghanistan’s cultural and religious values.

The governor went on to underscore security of educational institute, saying students should not be allowed under any circumstances to enter schools and universities with arms. 

Weesa praised police for improvement in the overall security environment in the city. However, he hastened to explain there was still room for more measures.

He linked progress on the security front to better police training, discipline and more polite behaviour with the public. “Today’s situation is markedly different from six years ago.”

While appreciating enhanced coordination among security forces, he suggested more training opportunities for police both at home and abroad.

Pointing to a surge in poppy cultivation and smuggling, he said the current eradication of the contraband efforts would not work; stringent measures were needed to discourage the illicit business.

“Drugs can be easily found in Kandahar City. Women and children are selling hashish and other drugs in the garb of beggars. Similarly, some police officials are in connivance with them. The illegal activity should be tackled with an iron hand,” he maintained.

Deputy Governor Abdul Ali Shamsi directed security officials to extend all-out cooperation to journalists and allow them to visit areas where incidents were taking place.

Col. Rehmatullah Atrafi, the provincial police chief, informed participants of the meeting a security strategy had been devised for Kandahar City and would be implemented in letter and spirit.

rm/mud

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