VP Dostum warns against the Taliban’s attacks

SHEBERGHAN (SW) – First Vice President, Abdul Rasheed Dostum, said on Wednesday he would not stay idle in the wake of surging insurgency in the northern parts of the country.

He said this addressing a gathering of hundreds of women in connection with the Mother’s Day here. The VP said if there was a need, he would be standing shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in Jawzjan to fight against the Taliban insurgents.

Dostum claimed based on his information, at least 30,000 insurgents from the Taliban’s so-called ‘red unit’ are set to enter northern parts of the country with an array of arms and vehicles.

At this moot, he also underlined importance of women’s role in elections and decision making at higher level. He urged the Taliban leaders to shun violence and join the peace process.

A number of Jawzjan residents told Salam Watandar the Taliban have intensified their activities in nine districts of the province.

SW wished to have views of the Ministry of Defense on this matter, but to no avail.

ENDS