Insecurity restricts campaigning in Faryab

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Campaign workers of some presidential candidates say insecurity has been a major issue restricting campaigning in some parts of northern Faryab province.

Campaign aide to presidential runner Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in Faryab, Rahmatullah Turkistani, said local authorities should take measures to stabilise insecure parts.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News the government’s writ in Almar district had been restricted to the town’s headquarters, making it impossible to open polling centres away from the district centre.  

He claimed 80 percent areas in Ghormach and Qaisar were controlled by the Taliban, with insurgency inching closer to districts surrounding Maimana, the provincial capital.

“The recent killing of a construction company head and the abduction of election commission workers show how strong the militancy is here.”

Mohammad Salih Zari, who campaigns for Gul Agha Sherzai, said security problems existed in Pashton Kot and Garzivan districts of Faryab. He urged the authorities to improve security in these districts so that residents could participate in the April elections.

Independent Election Commission (IEC) office head in Faryab Syed Masoom said 20 polling sites faced security threats, but authorities had assured them measures to improve the situation.

Police Chief Brig. Gen. Nabi Jan Mullakhel said a cleanup operation would be launched soon in insecure parts.

“Election campaigners should inform the police 48 hours before they embark on journeys as part of electioneering so that they are provided security.”

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