Rowdyism hits Afghan Millat meeting

KABUL): A meeting of the Afghan Millat party on nominating a candidate for next year’s presidential ballot was marred by rowdyism and physical clashes in Kabul on Monday.

Mohammad Amin, the Afghan Social Democratic Party leader, says his group is part and parcel of Afghan Millat Party. But others reject the claim, insisting Stana Gul Sherzad is their leader.

At the meeting, Amin declared himself a presidential wannabe and said: “We are ready for a political alliance with any individual or group that endorses our policy. The party has also named me as an independent runner.”  

Amin’s remarks that no one would be allowed to misuse the party’s name angered a number of participants. Organisers tried to expel his opponents from the meeting, but unruly scenes followed.

Afghan Millat Advisor Mohammad Wali said the meeting had been arranged as a show of support for the group. But the Social Democratic Party changed the agenda to the presidential election, he added.

A few months back, he recalled, majority of members chose Stana Gul Sherzad as their chief and Commerce Minister Anwarul Haq Ahady as honorary leader. “We would not allow divisions within the party…”

He claimed certain individuals were trying to arrange such meetings in an attempt to promote their political interest. His remarks triggered howls of protests from rivals and the two sides came to blows.

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