New Balkh police chief takes charge after armed standoff

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The newly-appointed police chief for northern Balkh province on Thursday took charge after a three-hour standoff that left 18 people injured.

Shortly after 2pm, an armed clash broke out between security forces and armed supporters of former governor Atta Mohammad Noor over the new police chief’s appointment.

The confrontation continued until the afternoon and during this time, the new police chief, Gen. Abdul Raqib Mubarez took charge, a development also confirmed by deputy interior minister for security Khoshal Sadat.

Sadat thanked the special police unit, national police and army personnel for timely implementing the presidential order of Mubarez appointment.

After taking charge, the new police chief in his address to people said: “the problem which was created has been resolved. There is nothing to worry about. All people of Mazar-i-Sharif can move free of fear.”

He assured the people of Balkh that his appointment as aimed at improving the security situation in the northern province. However, he warned everyone who revolted against the central government would be suppressed.

From the clash site, at least 18 injured people including 10 security personnel have been brought to the civil hospital.

The civil hospital head, Dr. Noor Mohammad Faiz, told Pajhwok that the injured people included a woman and the condition of three injured persons was critical.

Meanwhile, the 209 Shaheen Military Corps in a statement said the security and defense forces were in full control of the city and no one should be worried.

It said the national army, which was in control of the city, would allow no one to create the law and order situation, asking local residents to normally continue their routine life.

The crops denied there was any confrontation between security forces which confronted armed militias that were arrested and disarmed.

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