KABUL - Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani lashed out at government on Saturday for its failure to eliminate insurgents.
Speaking during a trip to Badakhshan, Rabbani said government's negligence in the war on terror was a historical blunder.
Rabbani urged people to mobilize against terrorists. He described the situation in Badakhshan as shocking and warned that if the National Security Council does not take timely action to suppress militants, it will be a big mistake.
"If the central government does not take action against terrorists in Badakhshan, it would be a great mistake. However, I assure you that the central government is also ready to defend this province and I will take your complaints to the National Security Council," he added.
The provincial governor, Faisal Begzad, meanwhile said that al-Qaeda is orchestrating the war in Badakhshan.
"Al-Qaeda is leading the war in Badakhshan and the group is trying to bring insecurity to the province. Other problems that people have in Badakhshan include the lack of security forces. In one of our districts, we have 50 troops, which in the current situation is not enough," he added.
Members of Badakhshan provincial council voiced their deep concerns over security in the province and warned that if government fails to take action in time, the militants will reach to their goal in the province.
"The security situation in Badakhshan is deteriorating with the passage of each day. Allah forbid, if the government does not take action to eliminate militants before that snow melts, the militants might achieve their goal in Badakhshan province," said Bashir Samim, head of Badakhshan provincial council.
Since the formation of the national unity government, several high ranking officials, including President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah, Former Minister of Interior, President's Special Representative for Reforms and Good Governance Ahmad Zia Massoud and now Rabbani have visited Badakhshan. Residents of the province say however that they haven't witnessed any improvement in security in the province so far. (Tolonews)