Time for all to live under one umbrella: Mullah Yaqoob

MAIMANA/SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): The government will not allow anyone to push the country into crisis, says the acting defence minister.

During his trip to northern Jawzjan and Faryab provinces, Maulvi Mohammad Yaqoob said this while underlining the need for national unity.

Accompanied by army chief Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat and 209th Al-Fatha Corps Commander Attaullah Umari, the minister met civilian and military officials in Maimana, the capital of Faryab.

“We want to assure the masses that their lives and wealth would be protected and no one will be allowed to plunge the country into crisis again,” he told a meeting at the Al-Fatha Corps.

In a statement from the governor’s office, Maulvi Yaqoob said the incumbent government had come into being after countless sacrifices and hard work by the people and would strive to serve the masses.

“The purpose of our visits to Faryab, Jawzjan and other provinces was to meet people and hear their views and suggestions regarding good governance,” he added.

Referring to recent unrest in Faryab, Yaqoob said: “Makhdoom Alam is an accused, not a criminal. An investigation will take place, If found to be an oppressor, he will be punished. If found innocent, he will be freed.”

Some elements, the minister alleged, led to the martyrdom of a number of individuals by fueling ethnic differences.

He said the individuals who participated in the recent protest were members of the previous government’s militia. They tried to spark chaos based on ethnic, linguistic and tribal differences, he said.

The minister asked the people and security personnel not to be arrogant for getting power and not to allow anyone to stoke ethnic and linguistic differences.

nh/mud