JALALABAD, Nov 17: More than 5,000 armed people of Commander Hazrat Ali, a supporter of the Hizb-i-Islami (Younas Khalis group), have occupied important buildings and strategic points in and around the Jalalabad city in order to turn it into their own fiefdom.

A large number of contenders for the governorship of the Nangarhar province are trying to bargain with different factions and splinter groups of old Mujahideen organizations.

Haji Zaman Ghamshareek, a supporter of the National Islamic Front of Afghanistan, led by Pir Syed Ahmad Gillani, is said to have won over the support of Pakistan to install himself in the coveted position. On the other hand, Haji Abdul Qadeer, a former governor of the province and the brother of slain Afghan commander Abdul Haq, is trying to wrest the governorship of the province from other contenders with the tacit support of Northern Alliance forces, nesting in Kabul.

Commander Hazrat Ali, who has the blessings of Maulvi Younas Khalis, has already occupied main installations and made his position stronger than others to combat any mishap.

The city is gripped by uncertainty and confusion and no one knows what the fate of its residents and would-be rulers would be in the next few days.

The leaders of the Eastern Zone Shoora held meetings on Friday to chalk out a power-sharing formula, but they have yet not come out with an acceptable solution to all.

On Friday evening, Haji Qadeer, Haji Zaman and Commander Hazrat Ali approached Younas Khalis to decide about the slot of governorship so as to end uncertainty in the province.

Hoards of armed men, belonging to Commander Hazrat Ali, have reportedly looted offices of some Jalalabad-based NGOs. Only lawlessness and guns reign supreme in the city.

The only UN Office, which was operating till Thursday noon, has also been closed down. It shows the magnitude of uncertainty, which is looming large over the skies of Jalalabad.

A lieutenant of Hazrat Ali told Dawn that they had control over the city. “Now we are seeking a formal signal from Maulvi Younas Khalis to run the province”, he added.

On Friday night, US fighter planes continued their sorties on what they called bases of the Al-Qaeda network around Jalalabad.

The residents were afraid of the continuing bombardment and were not feeling any change after the retreat of the Taliban militia. The conflicting claims, being made by the contending groups, have added to the apprehensions of the people. The rising anarchy is heading towards a sort of civil war.