Special security force deployed to Aliabad

KUNDUZ CITY (PAN soldiers, has been working successfully in northern Kunduz province, officials said on Wednesday.

About 150 workers of the security force were deployed in Aliabad district on Wednesday. Initially, some 224 members of the force were stationed in the Qala-i-Zal district in early July.

Each member of the force is paid about $150 (7056 afghanis) a month, with a commander receiving $200 in salary, said Col. Saber Utesky, the commander of the German Provincial Reconstruction).

"The area people previously complained about illegal armed groups operating in the area. In response to their complaints and in order to improve the overall situation, we set up the security force," he added.

All members of the force had produced guarantees of good conduct from village elders, religious scholars and local security officials, said the provincial police chief, Brig. Gen. Samiullah Qatra.

Although the force employees had no special uniform, they have special badges on their shoulders, he added. Initially, residents could not differentiate between the force and tribal militiamen.

All its members would be recruited into the local police force, which would be launched in the province after a year, the police chief said. Most of the people, who previously fought against the Taliban, are members of the force.

Insecurity caused by illegal armed groups could pave the way for Taliban's return, an official warned. The local police force is registered with the Ministry of Interior, but tribal militias only help maintain security in certain areas.

More than 1,500 tribal militiamen have been equipped and armed by the government to help maintain security in several areas of the province. Some 1,200 are to be recruited into local police.

frm/mud