86pc of Balkh residents hold anti-Taliban, Daesh view

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): A survey has found that 86 percent residents of northern Balkh province hold anti-Taliban and Islamic State views.

Findings of the survey were released on Saturday in the provincial capital, Mazar-i-Sharif. The survey has been conducted jointly by the Afghanistan People Foundation and Nehad private radio station, interviewing nearly 800 people.

Najib Pikan, the foundation head, told Pajhwok Afghan News during the survey questions were asked from the respondents directly or over the telephone.

He said 86 percent of those interviewed held anti-Taliban and anti-Daesh views and considered the two groups as terrorist organisations.

He said nearly all of the respondents voiced support for the national security forces, but a majority of them were not happy with the unity government’s performance.

Some people in the survey complained against police in Balkh and said their problems were not resolved in a timely manner, Pikan said.

He said answers given by 10 percent people in the survey showed they had sympathy towards Taliban and Daesh.

He said people in the provincial capital and districts were interviewed as part of the survey.

Balkh police chief Syed Kamal Sadat said it was encouraging that people supported the security forces and said police remained in the  service of people day and night.

He said people’s complaints against police would be paid due attention and efforts would be made to resolve that.

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