Some members of Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga, the Lower House of Parliament, on Wednesday said that a number of Jihadi commanders and citizens have been armed in support of Atta Mohammad Noor, the governor of Balkh, who was recently ousted by President Ashraf Ghani. 
 
The legislators accused the government of fueling a crisis in the country. 
 
The MPs reiterated the call to government officials to engage in talks with Jamiat-e-Islami party where Noor serves as chief executive and resolve their disputes through diplomacy and negotiations. 
 
“All people have been armed, all people have taken up guns including men and women and are prepared to do what the honorable governor of Balkh tells them,” said MP Breshna Rafi.
 
“You all must be aware that we will create a major coalition inside and outside parliament and no one will dare to stand before it,” said MP Zahir Qadeer.
 
“Removal of Ustad Atta from Balkh province has several aspects, the honorable governor was tackled with political and ethnic discrimination and they want to weaken a particular ethnicity,” said MP Abdul Hai Akhundzada.
 
“We call on both Jamiat and the government not to prolong this issue more than this,” said MP Farishta Amini.
 
“The government must bring an end to the issue according to the demands of Jamiat,” said MP Qazi Abdul Rahim.
 
In addition, the administrative board of parliament pledged to mediate between the two sides, but stated that government is obliged to take all possible steps that could lead to ease tensions in the face of ongoing issues facing the nation. 
 
“If needed, we will send a delegation comprising people from all ethnicities to address the issue and resolve it,” said Nazir Ahmadzai, second deputy of parliament.  
 
The lawmakers warned that tensions between the two sides will have serious implications for the country.