Kabulhites irked by display of military might by HI

KABUL (SW): The capital Kabul residents have been irked by convoy of the former Mujahedeen leader Gulbudden Hekmatyar which also had armed men riding cars and pick-ups.

Chief of the Hezb-e-Islami party Hekmatyar returned to the capital after almost 20 years, and had armed men guarding his convoy. Afghans have taken to the social media to express their discontent towards this ‘display of power’ by the former warlord’s loyalists. The critics have asserted that the peace deal with Hekmatyar signed last year was aimed at promoting peace and stability, not encourage such ‘military parades’.

Naimatullah, a Kabul resident, told Salam Watandar people are sick and tired of arms, war and fighting. Faredon, another citizen, said such roaming of armed men spreads fear among the people.

Meanwhile, Nader Afghan, spokesman for the Hezb-e-Islami party, has said they did not intend any military parades. He stressed only a small number of guards tasked with security of Hekmatyar had arms. He added the HI has handed over its arms to the government following the peace deal.

ENDS