Protest in Paktika’s Argon district enters 3rd day

SHARANA (Pajhwok): Drivers of cargo trucks continued their protest in Argon district of southern Paktika province for a third day on Thursday, alleging local security officials sought bribes from them, a claim rejected by the district police chief.

Noor Mohammad, one of the truck drivers in Argon, told Pajhwok Afghan News that they have blocked the highway leading to the district since last three days and were staging the protest in front of the district building.

“Police chief of Argon district illegally ask us to pay him money and in protest we stopped our vehicles and closed the road,” he said.

Tahwil Khan, another truck driver and member of Cargo Trucks Association, said they possessed the permit for their association and doing businesses.

“Drivers give 500 afghanis to the association on their turn, the money is spent on resolving problems of drivers or if an accident happens, but the district police chief now wants his share in the money,” he said.

Abdul Qayum Halimi, a member of Argon Youths Association, said that the police chief illegally wanted to take money from the Cargo Trucks Association.

A number of other protestors also held similar views and said they would continue their protest if their problem was solved.

On the other hand, Argon police chief, Rahimullah Rahimi, said that members of the association illegally took money from drivers.

“A few individuals are staging the protest after we took action to prevent the association from taking illegal money from drivers who complained to us,” he said.

He said security force should not be accused baselessly and if anyone had evidence of bribery, they should present it.

Mds/ma