KUNDUZ CITY/ TALEQAN (SW): The residents in northern Kunduz province have been enduring the rages of war and its frightening repercussions despite the Taliban’s escape from the downtown.
Last week, the provincial capital was briefly overrun for the second time in a year by the Taliban. The militants however, escaped hours after entering the city but the residents have been left to cope with constant fear and misery. Civil society activists and parliamentarians from the province told journalists in Kabul on Thursday that the city remains under the siege of the Taliban.
Abdullah Qarlaq, a senator from the province said that despite the presence of 12 thousands security personnel, the province is in war-like situation. He added that the areas of Khwaja Mashad, Chaharrah-e-Azadi, Bandar-e-Imam Saheb and Nau Abad are still under the control of the Taliban. Insecurity has also created a demand and supply gap in the local economy. A litter petrol is sold at AFN 100, a bread for AFN 50 and a kilo of gas at AFN 120.
Insecurity and persistent threat of the Taliban’s return have also caused concerns in neighboring Baghlan province. Abdul Satar Barez, the governor for Baghlan, while acknowledging the presence of the Taliban in parts of the province, discarded the chances of the militants overrunning this part of the country. He told Salam Watandar that the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANSDF) have full control over the highways connecting Baghlan with Kunduz and Balkh provinces. Some 10 Taliban militants have reportedly been killed in latest clashes in the Dand-e-Ghori area. There are some unconfirmed reports about the Taliban taking control of Qarghan hill area near the provincial capital, and 13 security personnel deserting to the Taliban.
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