Protestors want governor, police chief fired

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Hundreds of people took to the streets in northeastern Badakhshan province, calling for the dismissal of the governor and the police chief, officials said on Monday.

The protestors, including university students and residents of Kiran, Manjan, Jurm and Yamgan districts marched to the governor’s office in the morning, chanting: “Death to local officials. We won’t stay silence on the killing of security forces.”

One of them, Bismillah, told Pajhwok Afghan News 10 civilians and security personnel had been killed by armed rebels in Yamgan district. “The governor and police chief are responsible for the killings; they should be sacked.”

Another protestor, Fahim, alleged the police chief’s failure to send security forces to Yamgan had led to the fatalities and fall of the district. The protestors warned they would continue their demonstrations until their demand was met.

But Governor Shah Waliullah Adib said the rally ended after they held talks with the protestors’ representatives. He added they had convinced the protestors that local authorities had spared no efforts in ensuring security.

According to Adib, a neighbouring country was involved in Yamgan’s capture by the insurgents. Additionally, he explained, incessant rains prevented special forces’ landing in the district.   

Yamgan was captured by Taliban fighters six days ago. But it was retaken by Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos and interior ministry special forces after an operation four days ago.

Twenty-five armed rebels and eight policemen were killed and nine security personnel injured in the battle for the remote town.

mm/mud

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