Insecurity may impede presidential election in Kunduz

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Public representatives and civil society members have warned the presidential election may not be possible in northern Kunduz province if a large-scale military operation is not conducted against insurgents there.

The level of insecurity and insurgency in Kunduz had dramatically surged ahed of the presidential vote scheduled for July 20, Matiullah Khaleq, head of civil society organisations in Kunduz, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

“The insurgents, who have captured more parts, are closing in on the security ring of Kunduz City,” he said, calling for a massive military offensive against the militants in the ongoing winter.

Maulvi Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar, deputy head of the provincial council, alleged the government has no strategy for suppressing the enemy in the winter season.

“Now is the time to eliminate the insurgents. If the weather gets warm, there would be little chances of beating them,” the official believed.

Amaruddin, a resident of Kunduz City, agreed the insurgency was expanding in the province with each passing day. “Since people have been in a state of fear, the government should address the issue.”

Local officials and residents believed holding the presidential election in the summer would not be possible if the fighters re not suppressed right away.

With regard to public concerns about the security situation, police chief Brig. Gen. Abdul Baqi Nuristani acknowledged the existence of insecurity in the province. However, he opined the situation had not yet spun out of control.

Nuristani promised an operation against the insurgents would be launched soon in insecure areas of the province.

nh/mud

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