Helmandis irked by rampant extortions on highways

LASHKARGAH (SW): Rampant looting and extortions on the highways compelled many locals in the southern Helmand province on Wednesday to call for help.

The local men from the worst affected Khanshin and Garmsir districts gathered in the provincial capital Lashkargah to call upon the government to ensure peace and security on the highways. They noted that for the past many months, armed men wearing the security forces’ uniform are busy in looting and extortions on the highways. They said that the locals are too afraid to travel on these roads now.

Abdul Ahad, a representative of the people in Khanshin district said on the occasion that the armed men looted 8 cars yesterday, snatched all belongings of the passengers, and there are also reports about verbal abuse against female passengers. The worried men added that the armed men wearing police uniform are particularly after cash, mobile phones, jewelry and other valuables.

It was mentioned that the criminals operate close to the security check posts, and when the armored vehicles of the government forces arrive they run away. Those associated with the transport business warned that they would stop operating on these dangerous routes.

Sardar Mohammad Hamdard, head of the Helmand provincial council, said on the occasion that efforts would be made to raise voice for the residents of Garmsir and Khanshin. He stressed that this issue should be resolved as soon as possible to improve people’s confidence in the government.

“These cases of extortions are taking place in areas under the government’s control, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure safety of the people”, he said.

Jan Agha Dawari, security chief for Garmsir district has hinted that soon a clean-up operation would be launched in the troubled parts of the province. He said in this regard that a security plan with the Afghan National Army (ANA) has been chalked. It is vital to note some parts of the Khanshin district recently saw growing influence of the Taliban but the highway remains in the government control with a number of security check posts on it.

ENDS