KABUL - Expressing deep concern over increased insurgency in northern Afghanistan since the start of the Taliban's spring offensive, members of Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament) warned Sunday that several northern areas are on the verge of collapse.

The senators stated in Sunday's session that about 400 Chechen families and many other insurgents from Central Asia were sheltering along the borders between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

They called on the security agencies to deploy additional troops to northern Kunduz, Takhar, Badakhshan, Samangan, Faryab and Sar-e-Pul provinces.

"The information that we have shows that 400 Chechen families and other Central Asians are sheltering along our borders with Turkmenistan, and they are preparing for battle," senator Gul Mohammad Rasooli.

Increased abductions on the highways was the other major concern of the senators. They demanded the security agencies to address the issue as a matter of urgency.

"Kidnapping on the highways has now become a trend and we are extremely worried about these incidents. If the issue is not addressed, we will witness more serious kidnapping incidents," female legislator Anarkali Honaryar complained.

But some other senators argued that the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) signed between Kabul and Washington had not worked in the country's favor.

"Insecurity is increasing. If the Bilateral Security Agreement [BSA] does not work for us, then what is it for?" senator Gulalai Akbari argued.

However, first deputy chairman of Senate, Mohammad Alam Izadyar, expressed that the House members would meet with President Ashraf Ghani Sunday evening to share their concerns about insecurity.

"We know that local officials in the northern zone have warned that if the government does not pay serious attention to the issue, the insecurity will further spread in the country," Izadyar told the session.

Another senator, Ghulam Muhiuddin Monsef, strongly criticized what he called government's failure to ensure the BSA agreement was implemented.

"The security pact is not working for us. Therefore, we need to strengthen our own forces because as long as we are not able to ensure our security, foreigners can not ensure us our security," Monsef urged.

However, the security forces are currently busy conducting 14 major anti-insurgency operations throughout the country. (Tolonews)