KHOST CITY (Pajwhok): Religious scholars and tribal elders in southeastern Khost province on Saturday said some circles within the unity government intentionally wanted to sabotage the peace process.
The clerics and elders attending a gathering here warned if attempts at sabotaging the peace process were not stopped, the people would launch a campaign against them.
The head of the Mujahideen Mohammad Sardar Zadran, told the gathering that elements within the government were creating hurdles to the peace process for their own interests.
He said these elements believed if peace returned to Afghanistan, they would be deprived of privileges they benefited from through the war.
“We call on circles who are trying to prevent possible peace talks between the government and the disgruntled Taliban, Hikmatyar group and other factions, if they continue making hurdles then all people will stand against them.”
He also expressed opposition to possible execution of death row Taliban prisoners, saying the move would further fuel the fighting instead of bringing peace to the country.
A tribal elder and civil society activist, Haji Jamal Tanni, told the gathering that only peace and stability would resolve the current issues and miseries.
He also requested insurgents to shun violence and share their demands with the government through peace negotiations.
“We want the Taliban to have mercy on women and children because this is our own land and we should work together for its rebuilding.”
The Taliban in a statement have warned the government against execution of their prisoners and threatened a tit for tat response.
The rebels also asked international human rights organisations, media outlets, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other impartial organisations not to stay silent on execution of Taliban prisoners.
sns/ma
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