Rebels have no excuse to fight on: Kunaris

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Happy over foreign troops’ withdrawal from eastern Kunar province, residents on Thursday said the insurgents were left with no excuse to continue fighting.

A day earlier American troops transferred their last base to Afghan counterparts in Topchi area near Asadabad, the provincial capital, and withdrew from the province bordering Pakistan.

Tribal elders and religious scholars from Asadabad and districts held a gathering here and urged the insurgents to shun violence and join the peace parleys.

Ulema Abdul Rahman said all foreign troops had left Kunar and questioned the rebels whom they would fight now.

He urged the Taliban to give up insurgency and join the peace process and called on tribal elders to support national security forces.

Another speaker, Maulvi Abdul Aziz, asked security forces to make efforts at winning the hearts and minds of the people they served.

He said the High Peace Council should extend its activities to districts since foreign troops had left.

Tribal elder Haji Mohammad Rozi said foreign countries should no longer be allowed to impose a war on Afghans.

“It is the duty of every tribal and religious leader to extend support to our security forces in defending the country and foiling aliens’ designs,” he said.

Peace Committee official Mohammad Ismail Munib said the insurgents had been left with no excuse for continuing their war.

He said all foreigners had left and Afghan security personnel were the sons of the soil. “Our region is insecure due to interferences by our neighbouring country, which does not want us to live in peace.”

He called upon the people to practical steps toward bringing peace and stability to the country.

Acting Governor Shujaul Mulk Jalala Khan said all foreign troops withdrew from Kunar on Wednesday, transferring their equipment to Afghan counterparts.

He said the Americans had carried out reconstruction projects worth $400 million in the province.

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