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Ousted Afghan governor vows to retake province

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The ousted governor of a troubled eastern Afghanistan province vowed Monday to fight to retake control of the area, underscoring the fragile nature of peace after the Taliban's fall.

"I will capture Paktia province," Bacha Khan said, "because I am the legal representative of the people, appointed by the interim administration, and I have 100 percent support of the people."

Afghan interim leader Hamid Karzai's administration appointed Khan governor of Paktia, but widespread opposition led local commanders to prevent him from taking power.

Opposition was so fierce that bloody fighting erupted in and around Gardez, the provincial capital, two weeks ago.

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The violence was the worst known factional fighting since the U.N.-backed interim administration was installed December 22 in Kabul. It also was a major embarrassment for the temporary ruling body to have one of its appointees rejected by force.

Following the fighting, a local commander, Saifullah, took over as acting governor. The atmosphere is calm but remains tense Monday in the province.

Many residents accused Khan of being corrupt and committing atrocities. In particular, they said he gave information to U.S. military forces, resulting in bombing attacks against his political enemies.

Khan said, "Saifullah and his friends are remnants of the Taliban and have links to al Qaeda," adding that he had documents to prove his allegations. He did not show the documents to CNN.

"We're well-equipped, and we have the troops to take Paktia province, with the support of the people," Khan said. He would not disclose a timetable for trying to retake control.

A village elder from the province disputed Khan's claims of having "100 percent support" of the people.

"Saifullah can ensure security in Gardez, as he has done," Baz Mohammad Khan said. "Badsha [Bacha] Khan does not have any support of the people."