KABUL  - Referring to recent deadly insurgent attacks, Interior Minister Mohammad Omar Daudzai on Wednesday claimed Taliban militants had been ordered by their foreign handlers to intensify attacks in Afghanistan in a plot to sabotage the April elections.

Daudzai told participants of a seminar in Kabul that insurgents had mounted anti-government activities as part of a plot to derail the polls.

The four-day seminar that began today involves provincial police chiefs to discuss security arrangements for the April elections.

“We have reports that militants have been ordered from abroad to step up their activities using their hideouts during the winter season in Afghanistan to create mayhem during the elections.”

However, he said such nefarious designs would yield no results because insurgents were not in a position to create big problems. “The election will be held as scheduled,” he vowed.

The Ministry of Interior has issued a report on election security, saying security for 94 percent polling stations could be provided and 414 polling stations in insecure parts would stay closed.

Daudzai expressed optimism a number of closed polling stations would be provided security during the elections.

He said around 800 polling stations faced high security threats but the number would be decreased within next two months after their security was ensured.

The minister asked police chiefs to bring into use all their energies and available resources in maintaining security during election days and should stay impartial throughout the process. (Pajhwok)