Taliban warn Ghazni residents to quit govt jobs

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): The residents of southern Ghazni province say Taliban insurgents have asked people to quit government jobs except in health and education sectors.

However, the Taliban say they have not threatened people but have requested them to stop supporting the Kabul administration.

Laal Mohammad, a resident of Pirzada area of Ghazni City, the provincial capital, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the Taliban had threatened people of their area over continuing their government jobs.

“The Taliban warned our people that they would be killed if continued their jobs with the government, a few days ago, the Taliban killed a contractual government official and it is feared they would kill more,” he said.

The Taliban have directly told people and have announced through mosques to stop their jobs with the government, he added.

Mohammad Anwar, a resident of Qalati area of Ghazni city, said that the Taliban had told their people to stop working with the government, except in the health and education sectors.

They have warned to attack those continuing their duties with the government, he added.

A civil society activist in Ghazni, Mohammad Akram, said that he had also heard similar things from people.

“Two workers of the revenue department were killed a few days ago, a court officer was also killed, the rebels may target more people,” he said.

He asked the government to be serious about such issues and provide security to people.

Wahidullah Jummazada, Ghazni governor’s spokesman, said that the Taliban wanted to create fears among people by spreading such rumours.

“People have not formally complained to us in this regard, but our detective organs are trying to follow the issue, the Taliban would be unable to stop people from working with the government,” he said.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they had not asked people about anything in recent days and had not threatened them.

He said earlier their preachers told people to stop supporting the government.

This comes as six government employees and a journalist were killed in the past two weeks in Ghazni province.

mds/ma

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