Public protests have gathered fresh momentum in the northern province of Balk following the abduction of a 9-year-old child, Abdul Rauf, in the province a month ago. 

Teachers of the abducted child reiterated the call on the Afghan government to expedite efforts for his release. 

They said the abduction of Abdul Rauf has left negative impacts on the studies of other students. 

“Abdul Rauf was a talented and capable student. He was very polite. His absence gives me pain whenever I remember him,” said Khairuddin Noori, Abdul Rauf’s teacher. 

Abdul Rahman, 72, Abdul Rauf’s grandfather, has started a sit-in protest in Balkh to put pressure on the security and intelligence agencies to expedite their efforts for the release of the child. 

“The local government pledged to rescue our child. I will sit here until they bring back my grandson,” said Abdul Rahman. 

Meanwhile, in Dehdadi district of Balkh protestors gathered in front of the Police Headquarters to protest the kidnapping of a 25-year-old man who was abducted by unknown armed men 25 days ago. 

The protestors said police so far have not done anything to rescue the abducted man. 

“We do not have peace because of the presence of these illegal armed men. Abdul Saboor has been kidnapped by the same guys,” said Mohammad Aman, a resident of Dehdadi. 

Protestors said police have failed to ensure the safety of the people. 

“God willing, we will take out the sanctuaries of the kidnappers soon,” Balkh police spokesman Munir Ahmad Farhad said.