Insecurity growing in Aqcha, complain residents

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Residents of the Aqcha district of northern Jawzjan province complain about growing insecurity, but officials say the situation is satisfactory and seek greater public cooperation.

Ahmad Fahim, a resident of Aqcha district, told Pajhwok Afghan News they hoped for better security after the Taliban takeover. Unfortunately, he deplored, insecurity persisted in the district.

The security environment had dramatically improved after the Taliban’s return to power, he recalled. But in recent months, the security situation in Aqcha has changed for the worse.

He sees poverty and joblessness behind increasing incidents of insecurity. “Armed robberies on streets have lately increased. People are beaten up and deprived of their mobile sets.”

Fahim opines the current situation will continue until employment opportunities are provided for area people, who are trapped in poverty and unemployment.

Abdul Salam, another inhabitant of Aqcha, says: “To prevent possible armed robberies and ensure our safety, we sleep on the rooftops of our houses.

“Robbers, who recently broke into a tailoring shop where there were only two sewing machines, will not spare houses where they can find mobile sets and other valuables. Burglaries are rising with each passing day in Aqcha.”

Inhabitants want the government to put in sustained efforts for security enforcement in the district.

But Mullah Sirajuddin Ahmadi, police chief for Jawzjan province, denied a spike in insecurity. He promised they would spare no effort to ensure security.

The police chief added: “We have enough security personnel who have been able to combat crimes in the province.”

“The security forces have foiled attempts at smuggling, targeted killings, insecurity and armed robberies with cooperation from residents,” he maintained.

The local administration had devised plans for creating job opportunities for the residents, Ahmadi revealed, affirming a fall in the crime graph in Jawzjan. However, he did not go into details.

Maulvi Ghulam Ullah Haidari, the district’s administrative chief, told Pajhwok: “We have taken multiple measures, including increased night patrols, and deny security concerns in the district.”

Haidari also called public cooperation crucial in maintain security. “We are working day and night to enforce security and residents shoud not be concerned.”

aw/mud