KUNDUZ CITY (SW) – A number of auto-rickshaw drivers in Kunduz have charged the traffic police with extorting money from them on daily basis.

In conversation with Salam Watandar, these auto-rickshaw drivers said certain roads and roundabouts in the Kunduz city are clearly divided by the traffic policemen among them to extort up to AFN 100 from each of them. They went on to say the policemen even physically abuse the drivers when the extortion money is not paid to them.

Amanullah and Najib, two such drivers, said a large chunk of their income is extorted from them by the traffic policemen and owners of certain rickshaw stands.

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When contacted, Safiullah Amiri, deputy chairman for the provincial council, told SW this issue has been brought to the notice of top officials at the directorate of traffic, but to no avail. He said the traffic policemen allow the auto-rickshaw drivers to enter the city center after taking bribe from them, which results in a mess causing traffic jams for hours.

Commenting on this, Abdul Baqi Nooristani, provincial police chief, acknowledged the traffic police was involved in taking bribe. He said 13 officers have been sacked and replaced with honest officers due to this situation.

Based on certain estimates, there are up to four thousand auto-rickshaws plying on the streets in Kunduz.

ENDS