KABUL (SW) – Transports plying on the main highway connecting Kabul with the northern provinces claim armed extortions are on the rise at this key route.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, these transporters said armed clashes between the Taliban insurgents and the security forces have paved way for robberies and physical abuse of them and passengers. They blamed both warring sides for being complicit in such incidents.
A passenger on a Badakhshan-bound bus, Abdul Raqib Ibrahimi, said armed men physically abused him and took away all his belongings on this highway between Kunduz and Badakhshan. He said a gang of ten armed burglars were involved in the incident.
When contacted, Nusrat Rahimi, deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, said efforts have been expedited across the country to nab all outlawed individuals. He urged citizens to coordinate and render their support to the security forces in identifying and arresting such criminals.
He vowed special attention would be paid towards restoring peace and order on the highway connecting Kabul with the northern provinces.
ENDS
