4 killed, 5 injured in clash between residents, gold company in Takhar: Qani

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Interior (MoI) says four people have been killed, five others injured, and two individuals arrested following a clash between local residents and a gold contracting company in Chah Aab district of northern Takhar province.

Humayoun Afghan, spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said in an audio message on Tuesday that a confrontation occurred last Friday between local residents and a gold contracting company in the mining areas of Chah Aab district, resulting in both human and financial losses. However, he did not provide details regarding casualties or material damage.

On Wednesday, Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, said in an audio message: “A clash took place between some residents of Chah Aab district of Takhar province and officials of a gold-washing company operating in the area. Unfortunately, three local residents and one company employee were killed, and five others were injured.”

He added that police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident—one a security employee of the company and the other a local resident.

Qani emphasized that the situation has returned to normal and is now fully under the control of security forces.

He stated that the deputy governor of Takhar has traveled to Chah Aab district to closely investigate the incident.

According to Qani, the activities of the company have been suspended, and police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

sa