Roundup: Afghan gov't to probe Kunduz fall amid demands for punishing responsible officials

The Afghan government has decided to investigate the reasons for the fall of northern Kunduz city to the Taliban militants recently, spokesman for the Presidential Palace Haroon Chakhansori said.

Addressing a press conference Sunday afternoon, Chakhansori told reporters that, "The reason for the fall of Kunduz city would be investigated and those found responsible would be punished."

The spokesman made the remarks in the wake of strong criticism by the people over what the critics described "negligence by concerned security and civilian officials," demanding the government bring to justice all those officials who have failed to fulfill their responsibility of safeguarding Kunduz.

Kunduz, the capital of the northern Kunduz province and 250 km north of Kabul, fell to the Taliban militants on Oct. 3, forcing more than 22,000 families to leave for safer places including the capital of Kabul, while hundreds of others had been killed or injured.

The government forces after days of fierce fighting were able to repulse the Taliban militants on Oct. 12 and since then the normalcy is returning to the city.

According to locals, Taliban militants are still posing a serious threat to the besieged city and its residents.

"Taliban fighters are just outside the city and can attack the government interests and the people living in the city at any time if they want," a Kunduz resident Abdul Jabar told Xinhua on Monday.

This is the second time the city was captured by the Taliban. The militant group briefly took control of Kunduz in September last year.

According to Jabar, the Kunduz dwellers are worried about possible fall of Kunduz to the Taliban for the third time if the militants keep on their presence outside the war-ravaged city.

"Thousands of families including several of my neighbors have resettled in the neighboring Takhar province to escape the war and won't return to their homes unless they are assured that Taliban hideouts are dismantled outside Kunduz," another resident Rahmatullah told Xinhua.

Rahmatullah also noted that the displaced may not return to their homes, until legal action is taken against local officials, including the provincial governor, who have failed to discharge their duties properly.

A lawmaker from Kunduz province, Fatima Aziz has demanded trial of civilian and military officials who were blamed for negligence over the Kunduz security.

Afghan government's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah pledged on Monday at a Ministers Council meeting to ensure lasting peace for Kunduz residents. Endit