JALALABAD (SW): Residents in Nangarhar province have been frightened by the alarming surge in street crimes and armed robberies.
A well-placed source told Salam Watandar up to 12 people got killed in as many cases of targeted shooting in the province in the past one month. The source informed the victims included religious and tribal elders, and security personnel.
In the latest incident of the sort, two young men riding a motorcycle shot two policemen dead, and took their arms with them in the Khogyano district. Eye witnesses informed Salam Watandar the assailants shout ‘Allah Akbar’ while shooting.
The residents are frightened due to the prevailing situation. Besides the armed Taliban militants, the pro-Daesh rebels have also caused concerns in the province. It is feared the pro-Daesh militants want to spread terror and fear with such attacks in a bid to spread their influence in Jalalabad city.
Anwar Sultani, an analyst, told Salam Watandar a number of factors are behind the growing insecurity in the province. He noted the porous border with Pakistan, active criminal and mafia groups, thin and poorly equipped security forces are main factors behind it. He added mafia elements have also undermined the government machinery from bring situation under control.
Irshad Raghand, a local civil society activist, is equally concerned about the worsening state of security in the province. He also criticized the Nangarahr governor Gulab Mangal for being abroad at a time when the province is facing grim situation. Raghand said all civil and security sector offices in Nangarhar have been manipulated by corrupt elements. He warned the protest demonstrations by Nangar residents would also engulf the capital Kabul if the government failed to address the security concerns.
Social media users have launched ‘Save Nangarhar’ campaign to bring the attention of the government towards the appalling state of security here. Recently, a delegation from the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) visited the province, and assured its residents their problems would be resolved, but nothing much has been done yet.
Abdul Rahman Rahimi, the provincial police chief, told a press conference today that those security officials found guilty of negligence would be terminated and referred to the legal organs. He told the presser a total of 69 criminals have been taken into custody in connection with various crimes including murder, kidnapping and robberies.
He also vowed to bring fundamental reforms in the ranks of the police.
ENDS
