LASHKARGAH (SW): Helmand province has been witnessing a surge in violence for quite some time now which has also affected the moral of female members of the Afghan National Police (ANP).
With an estimated population of some two million inhabitants, Helmand is one of the biggest provinces in the country. There are around 50 female policewomen serving in this restive province. In conversation with the Salam Watandar, a number of these women said they fear for their lives. They informed that six of their comrades have been killed so far, but no one has been arrested in this connection.
Bibi Amina and Jamila, two such policewomen, expressed their displeasure towards the prevailing situation in the province. The women said their lives are under constant threat, and they believe no one would care if the militants manage to kill them. “Many of us are thinking about quitting the jobs, and staying home”, Jamila said.
Inspector Malalay, commander of the 50 policewomen in Helmand, is also wary about the threats. “There are no facilities available to us, policewomen have to travel in auto-rickshaws which is very dangerous”, she lamented.
Meanwhile, Col. Aqanoor Kentoz, police chief of the province, acknowledged that the policewomen are playing key role in ensuring security in the province. He noted these women are mainly deployed alongside policeman to body-search women at sensitive areas when necessary. He discarded the security threats posed to the women police, and blamed their family members for pushing them to quit. “Luckily, many policewomen are serving alongside their brothers in the city and even far away districts”, he said.
ENDS
