40pc of Nuristan police lack weapons: governor

JALALABAD (PAN): Forty percent of police in the eastern province of Nuristan lack weapons and other equipment needed to fight militants, a senior official said on Monday.

The issue was discussed with a joint delegation of the ministries of interior and defence and NATO-led forces, who met tribal elders and local officials, the governor said.

Jamaluddin Badr told Pajhwok Afghan News the delegation included deputy interior minister for security, Gen. Abdul Rahman, deputy defence minister, Gen. Murad Ali Murad, and ISAF representatives.

Before the completion of a counterinsurgency offensive in the province, the government’s writ could not be enforced across Nuristan, Badr said, adding he had sought deployment of Afghan soldiers to improve security.

The visiting team was also asked for an increase in police strength and equipment, he said, accusing the central government for ignoring his demand for deploying soldiers to eastern and central areas of the province.

However, he said the delegation had promised to convey his message to the relevant ministries and give them a detailed report on the current security situation in the province.

frm/mud

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