Moneychangers protest colleague’s kidnapping

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Moneychangers in northeastern Kunduz province staged a protest against the kidnapping of a colleague, warning of closing down their businesses.

Currency dealer Mohammad Nabi, who came under attack from unidentified gunmen, was taken hostage and his 12 years old son wounded in Mestiri Khana area of Kunduz City on Sunday.

A large number of moneychangers, jewellers and businesspeople took to the streets, warning to close the Kunduz business centre if their kidnapped colleague was not rescued soon.

Moneychanger’s Union head Rahimullah said security forces had started an investigation into the case but failed to ascertain the captive’s whereabouts. The victim had personal enmity with no one, he said.

Another businessman, Ziaul Haq, suspected police involvement in the incident and said that his son was also kidnapped recently. Police later mediated with the captors and released his son in return for ransom.

Governor Mohammad Omar Safi said he had city’s third police district officials to trace the moneychanger within 24 hours or risk being referred to the attorney general office (AGO).

Safi told Pajhwok Afghan News he remained committed to reforming the provincial governance but interference from some lawmakers thwarted his attempts.

He did not name anyone, but said he had to deal with a parallel government by illegal armed men. “Whenever I try to disarm irresponsible armed men, the government forces me to change my decision.”

Appointed a month ago by the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG), Safi warned of resigning if the government failed to meet the needs of Kunduz residents.

mds/mud