The National Unity Government (NUG) has severely undermined the credibility and standing of the state by taking inconsiderate actions. The government leadership has often made decisions it has failed to implement later on, sliding the country into a state of rampant anarchy, where rule of law remains to be an empty slogan. From committing minor violations of laws to looting state assets, some circles fearlessly continue to engage in illegal acts, because they believe that the laws of the country exist only on papers.
The arrest and subsequent release of Alipur, a notorious Hazara militia commander, is a rest example of the government’s failure to exert its power. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) detained Alipur, who is accused of human rights abuses and even killing of Afghan security forces and ordinary people, on Sunday in Kabul, sparking violent protests by his supporters. According to the Ministry of Interior, at least 48 policemen were wounded and eight police checkpoints and several vehicles were set on fire. Instead of holding the irresponsible commander accountable for his role in the casualties inflicted on Afghan security forces and ordinary people, the government caved in to pressure, and freed Alipur from NDS custody.
The NUG’s decision is a gross disrespect to Afghan security forces and their leadership. By risking life and limb, Afghan forces nabbed a person who had killed several members of the Afghan security forces. But the power-thirsty government leaders set him free solely to secure the votes of Hazaras in the upcoming presidential election or for fear of a handful of disruptive elements. The government even could not just sham justice delivery on him. Moreover, the way he was released was not as if he was a criminal, but a hero, because he was taken to a government palace instead of his home. If the government was unable to imprison a person facing criminal charges, why did it arrest him? When Afghan forces took the risk and detained him, why did the government release him before even putting him on trial?
Through rash decisions, the National Unity Government has unfortunately seriously undermined the credibility of the regime, especially Afghan security forces, on several occasions. The government leadership should always think about the consequences of every decision before making it, and refrain from taking actions that weaken than strengthen the government.
