PAN, December 3, 2013

Public representative accused of harassing locals through police

Haji Mohammad, a provincial council member, used police officials to harass and press local citizens

By Habibur Rahman Sherzai

Some residents of Borka district in northern Baghlan province have accused member of a provincial council of harassing and intimidating locals through police force.

Abdul Jabar Islami, administrative head of Borka district, alleged that Haji Mohammad, a provincial council member, of using police officials to harass and press local citizens. But Haji Mohammad said the district chief was an incompetent person and called for his immediate sacking.

Mohammad Naeem, a tribal elder from Borka district, said a 25-member strong police force was under heavy influence of Haji Mohammad’s at Borka police headquarter. He told Pajhwok Afghan News most of this police force was violating the law and harassing civilians.

Borka district chief received death threats from Mohammad’s brother as the former was trying to arrest those policemen accused of harassing civilians, he added.

Later, a 20 men armed supporters of Haji Mohammad had surrounded the district headquarters and started gun battle with security guards. However, the armed men left the area following mediation by tribal elders.

Deputy Governor, Qadim Khan, said a delegation was sent to the district to investigate the issue, adding he would take stern action once the investigation was completed.

The problem would be discussed with locals to know their view point about the tragic development, he added.

Meanwhile, about one hundred people on Monday lodged complaints at the governor office over growing insecurity in Borka district, accusing the local representative of supporting illegal armed men.

Recently a tribal elder was killed by pro- Haji Mohammad armed men, a resident Syed Murad said.

But Haji Mohammad said the district chief of Borka could not handle the situation and was an incompetent officer.

The district chief accused public representatives of interfering in his affairs and did not allow him to bring the culprit to justice.

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