Police officers suspended for poll law violation

KABUL (Pajhwok): Three senior police officers were suspended on charges of interference in the elections process, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said on Monday.

Addressing a news conference here in Kabul, MoI Spokesman Siddique Siddiqui said reserve officer Lt. Gen. Mirza Mohammad Yarmand was among those suspended.

The suspension came on the basis of complaints from presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. Yarmand was accused of backing a specific candidate in northeastern Badakhshan province.

Based on intelligence reports, Col. Mohammad Akbar, protection brigade commander for Qaisar highway, and Col. Amanullah Bik, Ghor crime branch chief, were also suspended, he added.

However, Siddiqui said 10 police officers had been suspended on charges of interfering in the ballot process during the past four months. The MoI has already warned government officials to remain neutral.

Referring to security for the elections, he said: “Afghan forces have taken tight measures and people can go to polling stations without any fear.”

Pointing to recent militant attacks, he said Afghan security forces had proved they were fully capable of dealing with terrorists without harming civilians. Clearing operations in different parts of the country are underway to improve security.

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