Rise in kidnappings sparks protest in Kunduz

KUNDUZ (Pajhwok): Hundreds of people on Thursday rallied against increasing incidents of kidnappings and insecurity in northern Kunduz province.

The demonstration in Kunduz City, the provincial capital, involved tradesmen, athletes, youth, civil society activists and daily wagers.

They warned of taking law into their own hands if the government failed to take action against elements fueling insecurity.

Civil society activist and one of the protest organisers, Abdullah Rassouli, told Pajhwok Afghan News kidnappings for ransom had increased over the past three months.

“When kidnappings and insecurity increased in Herat, President Ashraf Ghani fired local officials. We don’t want the same action against Kunduz officials, but want security in the province to be improved,” he said.

The protestors chanted slogans like “we want secure working environment,” “bring to justice criminals and kidnappers,” “we call for serious campaign against kidnappings and crimes.”

A trader, Zabihullah whose son has been kidnapped, said the government had failed to take action against kidnap gangs, who abducted and released their victims in return for money.

Recently, two brothers, who are school students, have been kidnapped. Similarly, a jeweler, sons of two doctors, a midwife and a tradesman had been kidnapped from Kunduz City.

Some of them were released after their families paid ransom money, but the fate of others remains unknown.

Residents claimed police provided cover for kidnappers, but deputy police chief Col. Syed Jahangir Kiramat rejected the allegation. 

He said police were trying to release kidnapped persons and arrest the kidnappers.

sam/ma

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