<p>MAIDAN SHAHAR (Pajhwok): A spacious ancient stone room has been discovered in the Araban area of Jalrez district in central Maidan Wardak province, officials said on Thursday.</p>
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<p>Locals initially noticed a small hole in a mountain where they were quarrying stones, Attaullah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News.</p>
<p>After going inside, they saw a grotto-type room, which is said to be 20 metres long, 18 metres wide and three metres high. “It is made of floral stones and has a pond of natural water,” the official said.</p>
<p>The Department of Information and Culture has been informed of the discovery and directed to inspect the historical site as soon as possible, according to the gubernatorial spokesman.</p>
<p>Director of Information Aurang Mukhtar confirmed receiving a formal letter in this regard, promising a team would be dispatched to the area. He also warned of security problems in the district.</p>
<p>But the administrative head for Jalrez, Naqibullah Haideri, said the security personnel had been instructed to guard the site. Residents have been urged to extending a helping hand to the security forces.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Jalrez resident Masihullah accused the government of having a poor track record in protecting such sites. Many such discoveries had been mishandled in the past, he claimed.</p>
<p>mud</p>
