Any move, attack from enemy be neutralized: Ghani

 KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani on Monday directed security officials to stop militants from extorting drivers on highways and destabilizing public routes.

A statement from the Presidential Palace received by Pajhwok Afghan News said the President addressed 207^th Zafar Military Corps and governors of the western provinces on Sunday evening.

Maj. Gen. Abdul Raouf Arghandiwal, 207 Military Corps commander, in the video conference said that militants always tried to destabilize highways and remote areas, but they faced stiff resistance from Afghan forces.

“The security situation is generally good and our security programs are regularly ongoing, efforts at improving security on highways are underway,” he was quoted as saying.

He added major projects such as Khwaf-Herat railway and extension of power cables had been protected from threats.

Chief of Army Staff Gen. Mohammad Yasin Zia said that Afghan forces were strongly resisting Taliban attacks in Arghandab district and around 100 militants had so far been killed in the ongoing battle.

Later, Ghani praised Afghan forces for their active role in the country’s security and said any move or probable threat from Taliban to people should be neutralized from roots.

He said public upraising should be supported and security of highways, forests and natural resources should be improved as well as militants be stopped from extorting drivers on highways.

“Security Charter Program is under implementation but more focus should be on border districts and enemy should not be allowed to operate,” he said.

Ghani directed provincial governors of the western region to work for the people and try for implementation of development projects in their regions.

mds/ma