KHOST CITY (SW) – The provincial security council in Khost has directed candidates for the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) elections not to have more than five armed guards, not carry heavy weapons and not hold public gatherings in restive parts of the province.
Following a meeting here on Monday, the security council issued a list of directives to ensure security. The directives also asked the candidates not to insult opponents. It warned the candidates they would be held responsible for any mishap in case of violations of these directives.
Defending the directives, Talib Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor, said the move is aimed at ensuring peace in the province and safety of the residents. A number of Khost residents have welcomed the decision. Aminullah and Assadullah, two such residents, told Salam Watandar the candidates were carrying heavy arms and convoy of guards that irked the residents.
Meanwhile, a number of candidates have criticized the move. Kamal Nasir Usolo, a candidate for the WJ polls, said five guards are not enough to ensure security of a candidate in the restive province.
A day earlier, security forces confiscated a motorcycle loaded with explosives in the province aimed at targeting WJ elections.
ENDS
