KABUL (SW): Head of the Transporters’ Union has been taken into custody by the law enforcement agency for unknown reasons.
Khan Jan Alakozai, the Vice President of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries told Salam Watandar that Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) Unit of the of Ministry of Interior Affairs has arrested Tila Mohammad Imanzai, head of Transporters’ Union along with five other men for unknown reasons. He added that the union was protesting for the past two days against government’s lack of interest in resolving their issues.
According Alkozai, the protest was against highway extortions by police and other government officials. The peaceful protest turned into violent clashes while the drivers were protesting at the Torkham entry point with Pakistan during which one driver and a policeman are reported dead and several others are injured.
The Vice President of the ACCI added that if the arrests are based on organizing a peaceful protest, then such arrests are illegal.
Meanwhile, Sayed Abdul Ghafar, head of CID, confirming the arrest said that Tila Mohammad Imanzai was arrested for introducing himself as a layman and stopping trucks in Nangarhar from transporting goods. Head of the CID also claimed that businessmen and transporters had lodged complaints against Imanzai’s for extortion. He added that the MoI is looking into allegations about police and other officials extorting money from the transporters.
ENDS
