SHEBERGHAN (SW) – Growing incidents of extortion by the Taliban in Qarqin district of Jawzajan province have spread fears among the residents.
Shukrullah Jahid, the district governor, expressed his concerns saying that the numbers of Taliban fighters have increased in this area, and the rebels have made checkpoints for extortion from people.
Fida Mohammad and Qurban Tardi, two residents of Qarqin district, said that in the past couple of months the Taliban have established a number of checkpoints for extortion from every vehicle, and even the shepherds.
Abdul Hafiz Khashi, the police chief of Jawzjan, has confirmed such incidents. He added that the Taliban are asking for extortion from the residents by making different excuses, however, he vowed to take effective measures against the rebels.
A number of social activists of jawzjan have criticized the postponement of military operations against the Taliban. They feared if this situation persisted, Qarqin district might soon fell to the Taliban.
ENDS
