Mafia behind insecurity rumours: Naeem

LASHKARGAH (PAN after 2014, when most foreign troops are scheduled to leave.

Mohammad Naeem told reporters in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, that Afghans forces were responsible for security across Helmand and there had been no problem in their ability to perform the job.

He said the combat ability of Afghan forces had improved to the extent that they could maintain security under all circumstances for areas where they had been deployed.

Public support for maintaining security and peace remained crucial, he said, adding the situation of areas transferred to Afghan forces had improved.

Naeem said the Afghans had realised that insecurity threatened their economy, deprived their children of education and snatched away every facility of life.

The governor said some mafia groups were behind false rumours about a security vacuum after foreign troops’ withdrawal by the end of next year.

Residents also believe there would be no problem with regard to security after the drawdown of foreign troops from Helmand.

A Nad Ali district resident, Jan Mohammad, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Afghan forces were well-trained and had the potential to protect citizens and defend the soil on their own.

He also said the withdrawal of foreign troops would leave the Taliban with no excuse to continue fighting.

Similarly, a Lashkargah resident and tribal elder, Haji Mira Khan, said there had been a considerable decease in security related incidents since Afghan forces had taken over security responsibility from their foreign counterparts.

The elder said most insurgents had abandoned the battlefield on the one hand and Afghan security forces had been targeting the real enemies during their operations compared to the past on the other.

About 9,000 British troops are stationed in Helmand. UK premier David Cameron on Monday arrived on a surprise visit to Helmand and said the Britain’s mission in Afghanistan had been accomplished and it was time for their troops to come home.

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