KUNDUZ CITY (SW): Local farmers and fuel traders in northern Kunduz province have expressed annoyance towards the security officials for not allowing gasoline to be moved into the rural parts of the province.
The locals argue that they use gasoline fuel to run their power generators for irrigation purposes. Petroleum traders on the other hand charge the security forces for using their fuel stations as hideouts while fighting against the Taliban rebels. These men gathered at the provincial council in the Kunduz City to express their concerns.
Gula Jan, a representative of the local farmers stressed that the fuel they take to the villagers are merely used for irrigational purposes. Amir Mohammad, representing fuel tank owners said on the occasion that the security forces have established check posts too close to their fuel stations that pose a security threat to their businesses. He warned that if situation persisted, they would shut down all fuel stations in the province.
Members of the provincial council echoed these concerns raised by the locals. Mohammad Yousuf Ayubi, head of the provincial council rejected the claims made by the local government about the fuel reaching the militants.
Sher Aziz, commander of the Afghan National Police (ANP)’s 808-Zone said in this regard that the fuel ultimately reaches the rebels in buckets. He stressed that the farmers should buy the fuel they need from their respective districts. He also rejected the claims that the security forces use fuel stations as shelters during clashes with the rebels.
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