More than 50pc of Logar being controlled by Taliban

PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): The Provincial Council (PC) members admit the Taliban-Gardez highway.

Syed Qaribullah Sadaat, a PC member, told Pajhwok Afghan News the security situation had deteriorated in the province more precipitously this year. Besides local Taliban, foreign militants have also been seen in Logar recently.

“Security forces have failed to curb the situation. The Taliban are much stronger and control strategic areas, from where they could rule over other parts. The people living in these areas respect the Taliban,” he said.

The public representative claimed more than half of Logar territory was under Taliban’s sway that was gradually increasing. He warned the province could fall to the insurgents if immediate effort were not undertaken to contain them.

Haseebullah Stanikzai, another member of the council, acknowledged most of Logar was under Taliban control. He said incidents of insecurity happened on a daily basis, leading to the displacement of families.

He said the Taliban had established checkpoints on the Kabul-Gardez highway, searching people and vehicles. Stanikzai also demanded action against the insurgents.

Mohammad Qasim, another local representative, held a similar view, saying incidents of violence had surged in recent months. “I want to ask the government to improve security. I can say without fear of contradiction more than half of Logar is under the Taliban.”

Haji Bismillah, a tribal elder from Pul-i-Kandahari area, called the security situation in Logar an issue of concern. Groups of fighters freely move from one place to another and residents prefer refer their disputes to the Taliban for resolution.

Mohammad Rahim Amin, the administrative chief of Baraki Barak district, also admitted most of the area was under Taliban control. He alleged foreign militants were also fighting alongside Taliban against the security forces.

Saleem Saleh, the governor spokesman, said the Taliban were present in Logar but did not have permanent control over any place. “They stage guerrilla attacks and then escape. The Taliban have no permanent control on territory.”

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid asserted the group’s strong presence in Logar. He said the fighters had nothing to do with common people and tried to protect their lives, property and honour.

He claimed the government controlled only district centres and the provincial capital while the Taliban called the shots in most areas of Logar, where the Azra-Pul-i-Alam road has been closed for the past 14 years.

nh/mud