LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Civil society activists of southern Helmand province have expressed concern over recent appointments of military officials, asking the president to rethink his decision.
Last Thursday, President Ashraf Ghani appointed military commanders to eight zones of the country. Ismatullah Dawlatzai was named to head the 505th zone including Helmand and Nimroz provinces.
Helmand civil society activists discussed the appointments at a meeting here on Saturday. Civil society leader Sardar Mohammad claimed the government had paid no attention to the requirements of Helmand.
Citing an example, he said Ismatullah Dawlatzai previously served as 707th police zone commander in the province. But he had no achievement to his credit.
The government once again appointed an officer with whom the people are not, he observed, asking residents to protest against the government if it did not change the decision.
Insaf Civil Society Institute chief, Navid Ahmad Watanwal, also said the appointment was not based on the requirements of Helmand. “The central government always sent to Helmand officers who had been tested repeatedly.”
Dawlatzai could not lead the 707th police zone efficiently and as a result of his mismanagement and incompetence, the police zone was cancelled, he claimed.
Another member of the institute, Agha Mohammad Quraishi, said the appointment of non-professional individuals had been fuelling insecurity in Helmand province.
The government could succeed if it worked in consultation with local tribal elders, people and civil society activists, he said. But the Ministry of Interior insisted all commanders were professional and experienced.
mds/mud
Views: 0