Security agencies said they had seized over 5,000 kilograms ...
| ... that's about 11,023 pounds, or 5 1/2 tons ... |
... of explosives during raids in different areas of this northern city. The raids are part of the security measures ahead of the Nawroz festival, locally known as Mella-i-Gul Surkh. | From the link, it's a (pre-islam) Kurdish new year festival, so presumably abhorrent in the eyes of Allan and his overseers.... |
The explosives were brought into the province for disruptive activities, said a press release issued from the Balkh national security department on Sunday. The festival begins on the first day of the new Afghan year, commencing on March 21. The press release says the explosives were seized from different areas of Mazar-i-Sharif. Three people have been arrested on charges of keeping the explosives in their possession. Two of them are residents of Balkh and the third comes from the central province of Parwan.
Ustad Basir Arifi, official of the disarmament of irresponsible armed groups (DIAG) programme | ... full time job, I expect ... |
in Balkh, told Pajhwok Afghan News the weapon caches included guns, rockets, remote-controlled mines, bullets, pistols and radio sets. "Enemies of the country wanted to use these weapons and munitions to disrupt security on the occasion of the new year festivities," he said. He added the confiscated ammunition had been handed over to DIAG officials in the province. It will be submitted to the Ministry of Defense. Balkh security officials had also seized more than 1,000 kilograms of explosives some ten days back. Nawroz festival begins on the first day of the Afghan calendar year (March 21). Thousands of people from all parts of the country throng Mazar-i-Sharif to attend the celebration, which continues for 40 days. Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor said all measures were in place to ensure foolproof security in the city during the Mela-i-Gul Surkh. |