KUNDUZ CITY - Residents and public representatives of northern Kunduz province say they are deeply concerned about the deteriorated security on the Kunduz-Baghlan highway, claiming that Taliban militants have set up check-posts on the route.
Safiullah Amiri, deputy head of the Provincial Council, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Taliban militants recently constructed check-points on the Kunduz-Baghlan highway.
He said, “Taliban have established posts in Jarkhashk and Khanabad districts and they come out on the road and bother people.”
Toryal Kakar, a member of the Provincial Council, said the Taliban had created posts on all general highways.
He urged security forces to conduct clearing operations against militants as people were fed up with the situation.
Samiullah, a resident of Kunduz City, said: “Yesterday I was travelling from Baghlan to Kunduz when Taliban gunmen emerged on the road and took away some suspected individuals with them.”
“The security situation has deteriorated on the highway. Militants often come out and threaten people, we want the government to ensure security on this route,” he said.
A driver, who wished to go unnamed, said: “Unknown armed men with their faced covered often emerge on the road and check vehicles.”
A number of other residents held similar views and urged the government to address the issue at the earliest possible.
Hadi Jamal, 217thPamir Military Corps deputy spokesman, told Pajhwok that security forces had conducted operations for ensuring security on the Kunduz-Baghlan highway.
He said a number of villages had been cleared of militants in Gialgai and Dand Shabuddin areas along the road.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, without specifically mentioning the Kunduz-Baghlan highway, said they had no issue with passengers travelling on general highways. (Pajhwok)