Policeman killed in cross-border incursion

JALALABAD (PAN): One border policeman was killed and five others were wounded during a clash with Pakistani security forces in eastern Kunar province on Tuesday.

The skirmish was touched off by a Pakistani attacks on police checkpoints  in the Binshai area of Dangam district at about 4am, a border police commander said.

Col. Mohammad Ayub Hussainkhel told Pajhwok Afghan News reinforcements were sent to the scene in support of the border police officials.

About 60 youths of the area also joined the security personnel in fighting against Pakistani forces, he claimed, insisting the border guards’ morale was high.

Nearly 50 tribal elders had gathered at the district headquarters, awaiting a decision from the government. The elders were ready to send more youth to the site, he said.

Currently, there was no need for a civilian role in fighting because there were enough border policemen to beat back the aggressors, the commander explained.

Residents were willing to provide hundreds of youth for pushing back the Pakistanis, said a tribal elder, Bazir Gul.

Dangam district chief Hamish Gulab Shinwari identified a shortage of weapons and ammunition as a challenge. He called for arming the locals who wanted to support the security personnel.

myn/mud