A parliamentary commission that has gone to the northern province of Balkh to investigate the kidnapping of a child named Abdul Rauf said on Friday that the presence of more than 150 illegal armed groups in the province is obstructing the rescue of the child.

The MPs said they see lack of coordination between the security and intelligence agencies in the rescue operation of Abdul Rauf.

“Some people should have been arrested very early, but there is sign of negligence in this respect,” said Iqbal Safi, the head of the parliamentary commission.

“They (illegal armed groups) have a role in the insecurity of the city,” said Farhad Azimi, the governor of Balkh.

Kabul residents questioned the ability of the security and intelligence agencies in rescuing the child.

“This is a matter of grave concern for the Independent Human Rights Commission,” said Mohammad Naeem Nazari, the deputy head of the commission.

“This is a shame for them. They cannot release a child despite they have army and foreign support,” said Wahid, a Kabul resident. 

Rauf's mother, Zohra, blamed the government for not being able to rescue her son after three months.

“They also have children, but why the don’t listen to us?” she asked. 

Balkh officials recently said the security forces have arrested 20 suspects in connection to the kidnapping.

Three of those arrested were the sons of Akhtar Ibrahimkhel, a local jihadi commander in Balkh who was then released from the jail, officials said.