JALALABAD - Fresh troops and heavy weapons had been deployed to the border areas of eastern provinces, officials said on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Nangarhar governor, who observed the Lalpoora district and Torkham Township from close on Monday, said Afghan forces were ready for taking any needed measures.
Nangarhar governor’s spokesman, Attuallah Khogyani, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Governor Gulab Mangal, accompanied by some civil and military officials assessed security situation and people affected by recent rocket strikes by Pakistani forces in Lalpoora district and Torkham Township.
During his visit, the governor also shared President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah’s messages with local security officials and tribal elders, he said.
Both the local and central governments were careful about Lalpoora district’s people and efforts were underway to resolve the border tensions through diplomatic channels, he quoted the governor as saying.
If the diplomatic attempts did not bear fruit, then the brave Afghan nation was ready for any type of response to Pakistan’s rocket shelling, he said, assuring victims of the attacks would be covered with essential care.
Mangal ordered officials concerned to deliver needed aid to victims’ families in a transparent manner.
He told security officials to sacrifice for defending the holy land of their country standing strong against the enemy. “In case of need, I would prepare myself to stand with our security forces for defending our territory,” he added.
The governor also overviewed security forces bases in various areas and met with soldiers at the Torkham commissary and other security officials. He stressed close coordination among all security organs.
The governor’s visit to Lalpoora comes as recently the Pakistani forces fired light and heavy weapons into eastern parts of the country, particularly to Lalpoora district and inflicted casualties on many people as well as forced more than a hundred families to leave their homes.
Officials in eastern Kunar province also said the cross border shelling had caused financial and human losses to people in two districts of the province.
An official in the capital Kabul, wishing anonymity, said fresh troops and heavy weapons had been sent to the zero point area of Nangarhar border with Pakistan.
The source said the forces were ordered to be on standby and respond in case of more rocket attacks by Pakistan. (Pajhwok)