Kabul police strength to be doubled: Saleh

KABUL (Pajhwok): Vice-President Amrullah Saleh says the strength of Kabul police will be doubled to bring security to the central province.

Kabul police captured two motorcyclists in the 21^st police district after they attacked an attorney, said Saleh in his daily 6:30 meetings on Monday.

He added the National Directorate of Security (NDS) captured Halimullah and Alimullah for planning to detonate their explosives-attached to a motorbike.

They were stopped at a police check-post for pillion riding, which is banned in the capital.

Saleh said the Presidential Palace would double the size of Kabul police based on a 6:30 meeting’s outline for the security charter programme.

The vice-president added a comparison-based assessment showed Kabul had the lowest number of personnel in the world, especially in third-world countries, considering its population.

He promised an increase in the police size, with complete focus and patience. The government will refrain from hiring ineligible individuals.

Saleh explained the recruitment criteria would be finalised soon. One of the basic criteria will be basic knowledge of recovery and investigation.

The Afghan National Army (ANA) will be responsible for manning Kabul mountain check-posts.

Government departments, ministries and High-income organisations under threat would be controlled by the Public Protection Force, the vice-president elaborated.

At least 500 policemen have returned to their job within this framework.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said search operations would be conducted in various areas of Kabul in cooperation with the National Directorate of Security (NDS).

MoI spokesman Tariq Aryan told Pajhwok Afghan News the operations would be based on accurate information so as to capture notorious rebels and criminals.

He confirmed search operations had begun two days ago and some suspects had been detained in the 11^th police district.

hr/mud