Besieged Helmand police at the verge of starvation

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Police in Marjah district of southern Helmand province have been in short supply of food items over the past few days, an official said on Monday.

Police Chief Brig. Gen. Aqa Noor Kentor said told tribal elders during a meeting in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, that police were under tremendous pressure because they lacked necessary equipment.

He claimed the military had turned down his request to airlift food for the police in Marja district. “They said the helicopter cannot travel to the district due to security reasons,” he said of the army.

Taliban militants have laid siege to security forces in Marjah district from the past one and a half years. Food items and other equipment are being delivered to the police by air.

The police chief also complained about meddling of lawmakers in provincial matters, saying the interference had created some problems for the police.

Border and Tribal Affairs Director Ahmad Naveed Nazari said religious leaders and tribal elders were ready to play their role in maintaining security of Helmand.

Tribal elder Haji Nazir Khan said people had always helped security forces in their mission.

He recalled six months earlier when militants tried to enter Lashkargha, they faced strong resistance from local people.

nh/ma

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