Ghazni City residents hard hit by insecurity

GHAZNI CITY (PAN): Residents of this ancient southern city, currently serving as the Asian capital of Islamic Civilisation, complain recent bomb blasts and targeted killings have made their lives miserable and badly affected their businesses.

Mohammad Akram, who lives in the third zone, told Pajhwok Afghan News that people closed their shops early to leave the bazaar as soon as possible fearing possible clashes, bomb blasts and other types of violence.

He said the city witnessed nearly 10 blasts last month in addition to Taliban attacks on police posts. Residents are deeply concerned about the situation, he said.

Abdul Razzaq, another resident, accused government officials of working for their own interest and have no care about people’s problems.

Yet another resident, Alam Khan, blamed local officials for their failure to improve security. He said Taliban insurgents operated freely around the city. The insurgents used to enter the city on motorcycles with weapons and target government officers, but security forces would not take serious measures to prevent such attacks, he added.

Local officials confirm the problems but not that much serious as described by residents.

Police Chief Col. Asadullah Insafi said the Taliban had tried to enter Ghazni City thrice last month, but police had been able to thwart their attempts by killing them.

He said security forces were all time alert to keep insurgents from carrying out their activities in the city.

The complaints come after several incidents of violence in the city. A prayer leader was gunned down on Sunday, a day before a police vehicle was blown up a roadside bomb, injuring two policemen.

mds/ma

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