JAWZJAN - First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum, speaking during a visit to his home province, has opposed the creation of militia forces in the country.

However, he stressed the need for a public uprising against the Taliban – a move that began about two years ago in southern Ghazni province.

In a meeting Tuesday with the elders and security officials of Jawzjan in his guesthouse – called Dostum Palace – the former warlord praised the sacrifices of security forces and promised to address their concerns.

"I am the first Vice President and I came here upon the request of elders. How can we conduct arbitrary operations and how can we build militia forces?" Dostum said in Sheberghan, the provincial capital.

Following his war experience, Dostum – leader of Junbish-e-Milli Party – said he was directed by the president to visit the province and assess the security situation.

"We have a good experience [in war], particularly in north and north-east, also in Qalat, Kandahar, Kabul, Logar, Paktia, Paktika and Jalalabad. We are familiar with each and every part of these areas," said Dostum, a well-known commander in fighting Russia and also Taliban.

His remarks came days after the acting governor of Balkh, Atta Mohammad Noor, said three major parties in Afghanistan, including Dostum's party, had joined their hands together to fight insurgents in northern Afghanistan.

Over the past few months there have been constant attacks by the Taliban and other militant groups in northern Afghanistan that often resulted in the collapse of districts – which were then retaken by security forces. (Tolonews)