Spare no effort for peace with rebels, govt urged

SHIBARGHAN (PAN): Participants of a huge gathering in this capital city of northwestern Jawzjan province on Sunday asked the government to adopt all possible measures to make peace and end the insurgency.

Arranged by the Jawzjan Peace Committee, the day-long gathering was attended by hundreds people, including tribal elders, public representatives and civil society activists.

Speakers said religious scholars and influential individuals could play a pivotal role in taking forward peace talks with militants. They asked the government to use all possible means for bringing stability to the country and reviving stalled negotiations with the rebels.

One of the speakers, Naik Mohammad, told the audience the government could not achieve peace in the absence of public support. “Spiritual and influential individuals and tribal elders can help the peace process by encouraging militants into reconciling with the government.”

Another speaker, Saifullah Qoyash, believed the government could strengthen the process by supporting surrendering militants. He said the government should ensure protection of surrendering insurgents.

He said peace negotiators should seek support from influential individuals in encouraging militants into joining the reconciliation programme.

Jawzjan Peace Committee head Maulvi Mohammad Akram said such gatherings could help encourage militants into renouncing violence. He added some influential individuals had been tasked with improving relations between militants and peace negotiators.

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