Amidst series of disappointing news, the bravery of a police soldier in the eastern Paktia province shined as light on darkness of prevalent frustration and disappointment. This week, he received a medal from the government.
Reportedly, in November, a person called him and told that if he supported them to enter to central public building of province as well as police headquarter, they would pay him 2.5 half million Afs (50,000 US dollar). While he reported the issue to provincial police chief and the police chief directed him to pretend cooperating with them.
According to provincial governor, Mohibbullah Samim, he started working as a Taliban local leader and received several calls from Haqqani network, a Pakistan-based militant organization which is blamed for highly sophisticated attacks in the most barricaded areas, saying that if the operation went as planned, they would buy a house in Pakistan and two luxurious cars, along with $50,000 US.
The local Taliban leader introduced three individuals and Bahir Khan recruited them. On December 11, Mohammad, along with two others joined Bahir khan and three other recruited militants at the heart of the city to prepare for a major assault but fell to the trap of courageous police and all six were arrested with explosive-laden car and six.
Bahir Khan has told after the incident that he received many phone calls and received death warning, but his response was clear that he had no fear of death similar to militants.
The report is vital from two different points of view: one, there are dedicated and motivated individuals within the police and army ranks who fight with high moral and wouldn't be seduced by cash; secondly, it gives hint how Taliban militants, in general, and Haqqani network, in particular, organize high-profile attacks in the country.
In the first place, the incident is first of its kind. Previously Jan Ali Hazara and Abdul Samea set the model of courage and bravery, by walking directly towards suicide bombers while clearly being aware of certain death just steps away from and hugging suicide bomber.
On the other hand, it became clear that there are individuals within police ranks helping militants to carry out their attacks. Otherwise it is too hard for Haqqani militants who are not familiar with local people and inaccurate information about location of public offices to put such deadly scenarios.
To fuel attacks, Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) should work harder. Deploying intelligence within police and army establishments will prove effective in preventing part of militants' assaults.