By Abdul Haleem, Zhang Yunlong

    KABUL, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- In a positive step towards post-war reconstruction of Afghanistan, authorities have launched emergency hotline services to facilitate the common Afghans' fight against illegal activities in the country which has been the scene of escalating violence.

    The 119 hotline, an emergency service of the U.S. 911 style and a self-help effort to maintain social safety, was established some seven months ago, allowing residents to contact police all-around-clock to report suspected terrorists or illegal behavior.

    "Up to 4,000-4,500 calls concerning ranging from terrorist activities, robbery, catching fire and police malpractice are received daily," an official at the press department of interior ministry told Xinhua but refused to be named.

    The service, currently available in the capital city Kabul and the western city Herat, would be extended to the all 34 provinces of the country, the official said.

    Militants loyal to Taliban outfit and al-Qaida network are stepping up insurgency against western-backed Afghan government mostly in the shape of roadside bombings and suicide attacks.

    More than 8,000 people lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2007,the deadliest one since the collapse of Taliban regime seven years ago. So far this year, over 3,000 people including militants, troops, civilians and aid workers have been killed in spiraling conflicts and violence.

    Illegal activities "no doubt" have been reduced and police performances have been improved since the service's launching, the interior ministry official noted. He said behind the service there is a special police unit to provide immediate help to the needy people.

    Afghan interior and defense ministries have been asking people through advertisements aired by radio and television to inform police or army whenever they find anyone with suspicious activities or discover explosive ordnances.

    Several attempts by terrorists to damage the national properties and kill innocent citizens have been thwarted thanks tothe hotline, according to officials.

    "People welcome this move, this progress" said Farid Ahmad, 30 plus, a driver for an international organization in Kabul, adding that the 119 service in a way can bridge the gap between needy people and the newly-trained police, who many believe will be and should be backbone for protecting social security, though there is still much complaint about police corruption.

    Under training support from the international community, Afghanistan, with its security forces totally destroyed in decades of factional war, has over the years established a tens of thousands-strong national police force who are new-style and well-equipped compared to their predecessors.

    In a latest display of their growing strength and capability, Afghan police in thousands on Aug. 17 went to the street in Kabul to provide tightened security protection ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

    Another hotline service, 102, featuring emergency medical service, became operational in Kabul two years ago and it enables people to take their ill or injured dears and nears to hospitals immediately through government-owned ambulances.

    "On average, within 24 hours we receive between 100 to 110 calls and transport the same number needy people to health centers," said Nazir Khan, a staffer at the 102 department, adding that the essential service is free of charge and open for anyone.

    The 102 hotline service, now only usable in Kabul, will be expanded to other provinces in future, according to officials.