Protestors want US forces out of Wardak

KABUL): Hundreds of people rallied in Kabul on Saturday against US troops’ high-handedness and called for their withdrawal from the central Maidan Wardak province.

In response to public complaints against the US special forces, the National Security Council had directed the Ministry of Defence three weeks ago to drive foreign troops from Maidan Wardak in a fortnight.

Although the deadline that expired on March 10, the coalition soldiers remain in the central province.

The protestors gathered in Deh Bori Chowk of Kabul, chanting slogans against US forces and demanding their immediate pullout from Maidan Wardak.

The troops’ continued presence could lead to horrible consequences, they warned, demanding the release of nine citizens who were allegedly detained by US forces.

President Hamid Karzai has give top US and NATO commander Gen. Joseph Dunford more time to find a solution to residents’ concerns and ensure security in Wardak.

“We want the US special forces to vacate the province as soon as possible. The killers and torturers of innocent residents be brought to trial,” the protestors demanded.

Marching to the Parliament, the protestors conveyed their demand to lawmakers.

ml/mud