Jawzjan governor moves to Kabul

SHIBERGHAN (PAN until the crisis was resolved.

Before leaving for the central capital, the governor told Pajhwok Afghan News that he was taking the step on medical grounds and that he would come back to Shiberghan once the situation returned to normal.

Asked if he was leaving because of five-day protests from supporters of Junbish-i-Millie leader Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, the governor replied: “No, this is my own decision and there is no pressure on me to quit.”

Mahmood Abdul Rahman had been appointed as acting governor of the province, Sayee said, a day after President Hamid Karzai tasked a delegation with investigating the tension between the governor and the Uzbek warlord.

Maulvi Abdul Hai Hayat, an aide to Dostum and the provincial council chief, welcomed the gubernatorial decision as a positive move, saying that they had halted their demonstrations.

In response to a query, Hayat said: “Our party leadership will decide a new course of action if Sayee returns to Jawzjan as governor.” He warned of a fresh round of agitation if the governor was not replaced.

Led by Presidential Advisor on Social Affairs Abdul Majeed, the team has been directed to probe the issue and ascertain reasons for the protests in Shiberghan. The delegation will thoroughly look into the matter with cooperation from the departments concerned, tribal elders, influential figures and members of the provincial council.

The team is comprised of Maj. Gen. Syed Rahim Saeed from the Office of Administrative Affairs, Brig. Gen. Mir Ahmad from the Ministry of Defence, Brig. Gen. Ali Mast from the Ministry of Interior, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Sadiq from the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Brig. Gen. Mohammad Qaem from the Attorney General Office (AGO) and Abdul Habib, a representative of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG).

Last week, Dostum and his gunmen reportedly attacked the governor’s office and clashed with his guards for 10 minutes. On Wednesday, hundreds of Dostum’s supporters staged a protest against Sayee in Shiberghan, accusing him of attacking their leader.

The protest was called off on Saturday after tribal elders met Dostum and informed him about their negotiations with the governor.

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