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Afghan Security Heads Deny Reports of Govt-Backed Militias

Gen. Massoud Andarabi, the acting minister of the interior, and Ahmad Zia Saraj the acting head of the national directorate of security (NDS), were summoned by the Afghan parliament on Monday to speak about the security situation and to answer allegations that the government is forming militias by arming thousands of people in rural areas under a security measure passed by the government in early July, known as the "Security Charter," and explained as a program to "mobilize the people in the fight against crime."

The security chiefs were also asked by MPs about the increase in security incidents around the country, and “illegal” appointments in their organizations.

Some MPs said that the government has distributed weapons under the security charter plan to individuals who are suspected of crimes. The plan was announced by the government last year to boost security in the country, especially big cities.

“All those who receive the guns are those who are suspected,” the second deputy speaker of the house, Abbas Ibrahimzada, said.

“Those who hide their guns… are now being supported by the government,” said Khan Mohammad Wardak, an MP.

The security heads said some individuals who have picked up guns in some provinces are part of public uprising forces and that there isn’t any "plot" to form militia forces.

“We have 'irregular' armed men in all provinces; therefore, we are trying to drive some of them to the right direction in order to keep them from going in the wrong direction,” Saraj said.

“No one has been given weapons under the security charter plan,” Andarabi said.

On a different topic, MPs said there have been illegal appointments and dismissals in the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

“Leaders and officials are appointing their favorite police chiefs and commanders and they are approved by you (Interior Ministry),” said MP Erfanullah Erfan.

“The board of appointment has been formed at the National Security Council… They are involved in every military matter,” said Khan Agha Rezaee, head of the internal security and intelligence committee of the parliament.

But Andarabi said some generals have been introduced by the National Security Council who are helping with appointments in the ministry.

He said that at least 10,000 suspects were arrested on charges of different crimes in the last six months as he briefed the lawmakers on his activities.

According to the acting head of the NDS, "at least 80 terrorists" have been arrested in the last 20 days.

MPs said National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib was also summoned by the legislators for the Monday session but he did not appear at the house.

Afghan Security Heads Deny Reports of Govt-Backed Militias

Legislators contend that thousands of individuals who are suspected of crimes are about to be given weapons under the plan.

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Gen. Massoud Andarabi, the acting minister of the interior, and Ahmad Zia Saraj the acting head of the national directorate of security (NDS), were summoned by the Afghan parliament on Monday to speak about the security situation and to answer allegations that the government is forming militias by arming thousands of people in rural areas under a security measure passed by the government in early July, known as the "Security Charter," and explained as a program to "mobilize the people in the fight against crime."

The security chiefs were also asked by MPs about the increase in security incidents around the country, and “illegal” appointments in their organizations.

Some MPs said that the government has distributed weapons under the security charter plan to individuals who are suspected of crimes. The plan was announced by the government last year to boost security in the country, especially big cities.

“All those who receive the guns are those who are suspected,” the second deputy speaker of the house, Abbas Ibrahimzada, said.

“Those who hide their guns… are now being supported by the government,” said Khan Mohammad Wardak, an MP.

The security heads said some individuals who have picked up guns in some provinces are part of public uprising forces and that there isn’t any "plot" to form militia forces.

“We have 'irregular' armed men in all provinces; therefore, we are trying to drive some of them to the right direction in order to keep them from going in the wrong direction,” Saraj said.

“No one has been given weapons under the security charter plan,” Andarabi said.

On a different topic, MPs said there have been illegal appointments and dismissals in the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

“Leaders and officials are appointing their favorite police chiefs and commanders and they are approved by you (Interior Ministry),” said MP Erfanullah Erfan.

“The board of appointment has been formed at the National Security Council… They are involved in every military matter,” said Khan Agha Rezaee, head of the internal security and intelligence committee of the parliament.

But Andarabi said some generals have been introduced by the National Security Council who are helping with appointments in the ministry.

He said that at least 10,000 suspects were arrested on charges of different crimes in the last six months as he briefed the lawmakers on his activities.

According to the acting head of the NDS, "at least 80 terrorists" have been arrested in the last 20 days.

MPs said National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib was also summoned by the legislators for the Monday session but he did not appear at the house.

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