Protestors warn of blocking highway (Video)

KUNDUZ CITY (PAN): Residents on Thursday protested against the government for not consulting them on the appointment of high-ranking official in northern Kunduz province.

More than 200 protestors, including religious scholars and influential figures, warned of blocking Kunduz-Kabul highway if the government did not meet their demand.

Maulvi Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar, provincial council secretary, said 45 percent of high-ranking official in Kunduz came from other provinces.

“Kunduz is no laboratory, where government will post the people of its choice. We want local officials to work here,” he remarked.

For example, Nastratyar said, Deputy Governor Hamidullah Danishi — hailing from Kunduz — was removed despite having a brilliant record. Instead the government introduced Sibghatullah Khaksari from Badakhshan province, he added.

But Inayatullah Khaliq, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News no one had been introduced yet as deputy governor, a position still held by Danishi. PAJHWOK/ Ajmal Kakar