Top Afghan Policewoman Killed

In the latest in a series of attacks against women in power, Sub-Inspector Negara was shot dead Sunday by a couple of unknown gunmen. The two shot at the admired official’s neck while she was purchasing grass for her lamb. She played an important role in the criminal investigation department of Helmand province, located in the Lashkar Gah city.

It is unclear whether the Taliban were behind this attack, but Negara had received threats from people claiming to be part of the terrorist group. Her predecessor, Islam Bibi, was similarly slain in July, and several other female authorities, including a senator and a parliamentarian, have been attacked or kidnapped recently. Negara came from a family of police officers, and had held a position in the force in the ’90s before the Taliban took over Afghanistan. Al-Jazeera reports reactions to Negara’s untimely death:

Doctors tried to save her, but police spokesman Fareed Ahmad Obaidi said she died at 1am on Monday. Zawak also confirmed her death.

Kandahar government spokesperson, Javid Faisal told Al Jazeera that Negara had believed what she was doing was important for all women in Helmand province.

“She was the top when it comes to the female police force in Helmand. She has also worked during Dr Najibullah regime in Afghanistan,” Faisal said.

“She was considered the most effective female police commander in the province and she believed her duty was the most crucial and most important for women in Helmand Province.

“She didn’t have any threats from her family, friends, relatives or siblings but insurgents and extremists are against the women rights and women’s independence in the country.” …

Her son-in-law, Faizullah Khan, on Monday told The Associated Press, “She was like a mother to me, and I learned so many things from her.”

Negara, age 41, is survived by her son and daughter.

—Posted by Natasha Hakimi