Ghor people want Governor Kohnurd removed

FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): Protesting residents of Ferozkoh, the capital of western Ghor province, on Sunday demanded removal of the provincial governor over growing insecurity.

The protesters closed the main gate of the Governor’s House and warned continued protests if their demands were not met.

The protest against insecurity follows last month’s killing of a local journalist and a couple of days back the killing of three family members of the deceased journalist. Five others were wounded in the attack on the journalist’s house.

Ziaul-Haq, one of the protesters, said people’s problems increased with the appointment of Noor Mohammad Kohnurd as the governor of Ghor. He said main highways were closed in the province.

“Our demand from the government and specially from the president and vice president is that remove this governor and appoint a qualified and aware person as the provincial governor,” he said.

Abdul Baqi, another protester, said: “We don’t want this governor, because from the day he took charge the problems of the people multiplied. Our only demand from the president is to remove this governor.”

Mohammad Hassan Hakimi, civil society orgnaisation coordinator, said: “It is true the security situation in Ghor has deteriorated specially under Kohnurd. Right now all roads leading to the districts are closed, the fighting has reached the doors of the provincial capital and tribes are not enjoying cordial relationship.”

Mohammad Mahdavi, a member of the provincial council, also acknowledged that situation in Ghor had deteriorated.

Noor Mohammad Kohnurd was appointed as the Governor of Ghor province last year in April. Earlier, he had served as the head of NDS for Ghor.

Nh/ma