Won’t impede development projects in Paktia: Taliban

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Taliban have promised they will not create problems for reconstruction and development projects in Gardez, the capital of southeastern Paktia province, locals said on Monday.

Abdullah, a tribal leader, told Pajhwok Afghan News residents of the area needed development and reconstruction work in different fields. “We want progress and assure the safety of staff. We hope the government will also pay heed to people’s problems.”

He claimed the Taliban insurgents had agreed not to create hurdles to uplift projects in the area.

Gull Mir, an inhabitant of Serai area, also said residents badly needed development projects. “We will cooperate with such schemes even if they are implemented by pagans. Anyone should come…”

They face huge problems in areas such as agriculture, health and education, according to Mir.  Other residents of the area hold similar views.

Meanwhile, Taliban commander Mullah Hilal said they controlled the area where all activities were conducted with their consent. “We don’t have any problem with things having no military link,” he remarked.

Hilal noted children of the area were going to school and learning their lessons. Primary schools for girls and high schools for boys were functional in the area, the rebel commander continued.

He vowed not to let any terrorist group operate in the area Taliban control. Denying Daesh (Islamic State) fighters a foothold was among Taliban’s priorities, Hilal said.

But police spokesman Sardar Wali Tabasum denied the Taliban commander’s claim that they controlled a particular area in the province.

“The insurgents, having suffered heavy casualties in several areas of Paktia, are faced with a certain defeat. In some areas, where the security situation is bad, we have created new check-posts,” added Tabasum.

He said clearing operations were still underway and the militants were in a weak situation. Security forces and Taliban deny IS presence in Paktia, but a month ago the Logar provincial council had said Daesh had started operations in Azra district.

sa/mud