Logar election security claim spurned

PUL-I-Alam: (Pajhwok): Residents and provincial council members on Monday rejected the official claim of polling stations’ security in central Logar provinces.

Officials assured residents of tight security during the elections despite the fact that half of the polling stations were still under threat from militants, one public representative said.

Mohammad Tahir Faizi, a provincial council member, told Pajhwok Afghan News security forces were unaware of the ground situation and made unrealistic claims regarding the law and order situation in the province.

Farzana Shansab, another member of the provincial council, also expressed her reservations. She accused security forces of trying to hoodwink locals about the situation in the province.

She urged Independent Election Commission (IEC) to rethink security arrangements for sensitive polling stations in the area ahead of the April 5ballot.

Abdul Jalil, a resident of the Pangram village in Charkh district, said militants had a strong presence in the area, where conducting the elections would be difficult.

But Brig. Gen. Abdul Hakim Ishaqzai, the provincial police chief, said a proper election security plan had been drawn up. He added security forces would strive to ensure law and order during elections.

Deputy Governor Mohammad Hashim Faizi said they have enough time until the elections and would be able to make proper security arrangements.

Abdul Waheed Samsor, the IEC regional officer, said security agencies had assured the commission of doing their bit to ensure the polls were held in a peaceful environment.

nh/mud