KABUL (Pajhowk): Some lawmakers on Monday feared the Gulbadin Hekmatyar-led Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA)’s decision to support the Islamic State (IS) militants could strengthen the new group’s activities in Afghanistan.
The HIA in a recent statement quoted Hekmatyar as saying: “Communists, the Jamiat Party and the Taliban recognise the HIA as their enemy number one. These three groups were created by the enemies of Afghanistan against the HIA to oppress the voice of Mjuhaideen.”
The statement directed HIA followers to support the IS fighters in their war against the three groups, a decision that has raised concerns among some parliament members.
Iqal Safi, who represents central Kapisa province in the Wolesi Jirga, said the HIA’s support for the IS would increase insecurity in the country.
He said the HIA’s decision was a result of its enmity with the Taliban, but it could create more troubles for the people.
His colleague from Kunduz province, Abdul Wadud Paiman, said no one should play with Islamic rules.
He explained the Afghan people had no links with the IS supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi who he said was the enemy of all Islamic faiths.
He said currently most HIA members worked in the government and they should be consulted on such decisions.
Paiman also said the HIA’s support for the IS would empower the militant group.
His colleague from Kapisa Mirdad Khan Najrabi said any group trying to create problems for the government would be opposed by the Afghans.
