KABUL - The Afghan Local Police (ALP) underwent crucial reforms and they were 95 percent freed from influence of powerful individuals, Interior Ministry officials said on Saturday.
Deputy interior minister for security affairs, Gen. Mohammad Salim Ihsas told reporters in Kabul the ALP strength in 30 provinces reached 30,000 currently.
He said the figures were found during a survey which was launched months ago and was still in progress after reports that “ghost personnel” existed in the force.
He said essential reforms were brought to the force’s recruitment, training and other areas and 95 percent of the force had received training and 76 percent of ALP personnel received their salaries through banks and mobile phones.
He said so far all required credentials of 51 percent ALP personnel had been registered and the process was ongoing. He said 95 percent of the force had been relieved of influence of powerful individuals.
ALP Commander Gen. Ali Shah Ahmadzai told the same press conference that the force currently protected 40 percent of Afghanistan’s soil.
He said the ALP forces maintained security in 6,800 small and big villages in 179 districts of 30 provinces. He said ALP forces did not exist in Panjsher, Bamyan, Khost and Nimroz provinces.
He said so far 1350 ALP men had been fired after being found under influence of powerful individuals or violated laws.
He said 240 ALP personnel who violated human rights had been referred to the prosecutors. He said 98 to 100 percent reforms would be brought to the ALP forces this solar year.(Pajhwok)