Kabul residents praise security arrangements

KABUL on the strategic partnership pact with the US.

The assembly concluded on Saturday with the endorsement of the agreement between the US and Afghanistan. In a 76-article declaration, the delegates backed the creation of American bases in the country for a decade.

Insurgents had threatened attacks on participants and organisers of the event, but security forces put in place special arrangements to deal with any untoward situation.

“Afghan forces have proved they are ready for the security switch,” said Hamidullah, a resident of Kart-i-Mamoorin area.  If fully equipped and trained, they could prevent all sorts of insurgent attacks, he believed.

Another resident, Abdul Hafiz, said: “Foreigners will be unable to ensure security in the country as long as Afghans are not trained and equipped.”

However, some Kabul dwellers complained about road blockades, security checks and frisks in many parts of the city.

Previously, there were security problems when the foreign soldiers were tasked with maintaining security, but Afghan forces did the job well, said Rahila, a resident of the Macro Ryan neighbourhood.

On November 15, Kabul police shot dead a would-be suicide attacker who was trying to carry his explosives-laden bag to the jirga site. On the second day of the jirga, a man suspected of firing two rockets at the venue was detained.

Last week, police busted a four-member group that allegedly wanted to disrupt the assembly proceedings.

frm/mud