Clash over Kabul house eviction enters 2nd day

KABUL (Pajhwok): Police and guards of a house owner exchanged fire for a second day on Tuesday in Shahr-i-Naw area of Kabul, with roads leading to the area remained closed.

Police clashed with guards of a powerful man, Tasmim Shansab, on Monday after the police attempted to evict his family from the house in compliance with court orders.

The clash continued on Tuesday, 13 hours after it began near Haji Yaqub square.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) yesterday said one policeman was killed and six others including a journalist and chief of quick reaction force were wounded during the battle.

Najibullah Danish, MoI spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the clash broke out after Attorney General Office (AGO) officials tried to vacate the house of Tasmim Shansab.

He said the house had to be vacated as per the AGO decision, but armed men inside the house opened fire at police and officials.

An eyewitness said police about 9am Tuesday morning were saying they would launch an operation 40 minutes later to vacate the house.

Some reports said the house belongs to former defense minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak and his bodyguards clashed with police.

However, Wardak in a statement rejected his guards had clashed with police, saying the disputed house was owned by Tasmim Shansab, son of Nasruddin Shansab.

The statement said the house had been claimed by someone else and the clash took place after the claimant moved the court.

The statement said Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak is currently living in Shash Darak area of Kabul and the incident in Haji Yahqob Square has no relation with him.

mds/ma