Logar residents seek support against Taliban

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Members of a public uprising in the Barak-i-Barak district of central Logar province on Wednesday asked the government for arms and ammunition against insurgents.

Thousands of residents of Chaltan area rose in arms against the insurgents three days ago, saying they were tired of harassment at the hands of fighters and the government’s inaction.

Haji Abdul Khalil, who spearheads the uprising, told Pajhwok Afghan News the government should cooperate with them in driving militants from their areas.

“We have seen uprising members attacked and intimidated by Taliban militants but the government has not come to their rescue,” he complained.

Khalil said although the government had provided them some arms, they needed continued assistance. They would keep insurgents off roads and reduce disruptive activities, he added.

Sultan Mohammad, a member of the group, said the uprising had prevented the Taliban from travelling to Charkh district, Maidan Tangi and other areas.

“Previously, the Taliban would bring people from other areas and hold them captive. They have killed many individuals here, but now they can no longer do that,” he said.

Barak-i-Barak district chief, Mohammad Amin Rahim, praising the uprising members, promised all possible assistance.

“The uprising members have been assisted with 50 light and heavy weapons and more assistance will be given to meet their demand,” he said.

The district chief said such uprisings had been helpful in maintaining security and enabling the administration to initiate development projects in Chaltan area.

But the Taliban rejected the uprising as government propaganda. The group’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the establishment of the Afghan Local Police had always been preceded by uprisings.

ma/mud

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