Badakhshan security bolstered for ballot

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Security forces said election would be held in peaceful environment amid stringent security measures but locals said there were still some problems in some parts of northeastern Badakhshan province.

Badakhshan Police Chief Fazaluddin Ayar told Pajhwok Afghan News security had been beefed up throughout the province and residents could cast their vote in a fear-free environment.

It was a natural phenomenon that militants would try to disrupt the process but forces were all ready to thwart any sabotage attempts by militants, he added.

Mohammad Tahir, a resident of Faizabad city, the provincial capital, said he would participate in the national process. People from his area were enthusiastic to take hectic part in vote, he added.

A resident of Chakaran village of Warjduj district said: “We are ready to vote in the second round of ballot. But we are worry about the security situation on the Election Day.”

Syed Amanuddin said residents were worried about Taliban’s presence around Warduj district. He demanded the government to ensure tight security for a huge turnout in the election.

Ahmad Jan, a dweller of Juram district, said they did not feel safe because of militants presence. He believed people would not show much enthusiasm in the given situation to vote on the Election Day.

But Noor Aqa Naderi, Juram district chief, assured tight security measures would be put in place on the Election Day. Residents could cast their vote amid tight security. Six polling centres would remain open in Juram district.

Provincial Independent Election Commission (IEC) said at least 33 of 315 polling centres would remain closed on Election Day due to high security threats in Badakhshan.

Regional IEC Chief Mohammad Rassoul Omar said that the areas where 33 polling centre would remain shut included Juram, Tagab, Kasham and Yamgan districts.

Omar said transportation of important election materials to 14 districts have been airlifted while transferring materials to 14 other districts was underway.

The Ministry of Interior the other day announced that 813 of 6,300 polling stations around the country would remain closed on Election Day.

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