Will not allow anyone to divide Afghanistan: Defense minister

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Two senior security officials on Thursday announced the establishment of a military unit in northeastern Badakhshan province, saying the government would not allow anyone to divide Afghanistan under any circumstances.

Mullah Mohammad YaqubMujahid, acting defense minister and MaulviFassihuddinFitrat, army chief, traveled to Badakhshan two days ago and visited the province’s borders.

In his speech to the second infantry brigade of 217^th Military Corps in Badakhshan, acting defense minister Mujahid said he had separate meetings with security officials in border districts of the province.

During a press conference today, he mentioned the creation of a military division in Badakhshan province.

“The enemy is always trying to divide the brotherly nation of Afghanistan in various ways, especially by fomenting regional, linguistic, ethnic and racial issues,” he added. “We will not allow anyone to intervene and divide Afghanistan under any circumstances,” Mujahid said.

Meanwhile, MulaviFassihuddinFitrat, chief of army, said that Badakhshan brigade would be promoted to a military division in the next few days and the defense ministry was currently working on the plan.

He once again reiterated that everyone, including those with whom they had been at war for several years, was amnestied and could continue to live without fear.

Meanwhile, MulaviAbdul Haq Abu Omar, Badakhshan police chief, assured of improved security in the province, saying that Badakhshan was a strategic location as it shared borders with three neighboring countries.

He said that there was need for helicopters to be allocated for the security of the province.

Mds/ma

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