Samangan security changes hands

AIBAK (PAN): As part of the second phase of transition, the security responsibility was handed over to Afghan forces in northern Samangan province on Thursday.

The switch was launched at a ceremony attended by Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, the transition commission head, ministers of public health, public works.

The chief of army staff, the deputy interior minister, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) deputy head, a Swedish embassy representative and some lawmakers were also in attendance.

Governor Khairullah Anosh said the security situation in the province had improved due to people’s cooperation. But he lashed out at the central government for giving no attention to reconstruction projects in Samangan.

The governor presented a list of projects, which he wanted to be launched by the central government. The projects included the reconstruction of roads, water dams and hospitals.

Ghani Ahmadzai said he had previously watched the security situation in Samangan and submitted a report on it to the president.

 He added police in the province were being equipped with modern weapons and the Samangan-based Afghan National Army (ANA) battalion had already been supplied with new arms.

The Swedish embassy representative said his country cooperation with the province would remain focused on good governance and development projects after security transition was completed.

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