MAZAR-I-SHARIF (SW): After the reports about acting Governor Atta Mohammad Noor’s abdication, residents of the Mazar-i-Sharif city are concerned about the security in the city.
A lot of residents of Balkh see Noor as an expert in managing the province, and boosting investment, improving infrastructure and security. There are unconfirmed reports the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani wants Noor to quit his current post and take another charge in the capital Kabul.
Atta Mohammad Noor is perceived by many residents of Balkh as the true vanguard of this historic city and its dwellers. A number of officials also fear with the departure of the powerful governor, the whole north of the country will plunge into chaos.
Fayad Mehr Aafreen, acting deputy governor, told Salam Watandar the issue is quite serious one. “Insecurity and instability in Balkh would have a great impact on the central government leading to its failure”, added Aafreen.
Civil society activists also praise Atta Mohammad Noor’s political clout for ensuring stability in Balkh, but fear his departure would leave the province in troubles.
However, Mir Roheen, a civil society activist, viewed the likely abdication of Noor as a natural process in democracy. He expressed confidence about security situation in Balkh without Noor. “Some people want to create uncertainty by spreading rumors” added Roheen. He went on to say things might improve further without Noor in-charge in this province.
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