22 JUNE 2011

 

Baghlan Province suffers from the intrusion of insurgent elements, which are creating problems for Afghan and international security forces by contributing to drug trafficking and launching suicide attacks. The situation requires stabilization efforts to ensure security and prevent the spread of insurgency to neighboring provinces.

 

In coordination with the provincial governor’s office, USAID funded a peace jirga to encourage the peaceful resolution of conflict in this volatile area. Religious leaders of both the Shia and Sunni religious communities, as well as tribal elders from Baghlan-e-Jadid, Dehna-e-Ghori, Burkah, Nahreen, Gilah, Khost, Puli Khumri, Central Baghlan, Deh Sala, Fering, Tala wa Barfak and Doshi districts met at the Religious Leaders’ Peace Promotion Jirga in Puli Khumri City of Baghlan Province. They discussed issues pertaining to peace and stability, human rights and violence against women, as well as the fight against narcotics and suicide attacks, that undermine the peace and stability of the province.

 

Throughout the jirga, the leaders agreed to work together with the local authorities and their communities to prevent insurgents from bringing conflict into Baghlan and other neighboring provinces. After completing the three-phased jirga, the religious leaders issued a 12-article final resolution reiterating their commitment to strengthening peace and stability in their respective areas.

 

Baqir Hashimi, member of Baghlan Religious Scholar’s Council said, “The peace jirga is a crucial step toward bringing religious scholars together to share their thoughts, and seek solutions to problems associated with human rights, women’s rights, suicide attacks, and similar problems in the province that have long contributed to instability.”

 

The jirga helped bring the government and communities closer together. As religious leaders are respected by the community, their support of the local government will encourage the community to start working together with the local government, which will eventually contribute to improved stability in the area.