Recent fighting puts Balkh civilians in harm’s way: CPAG

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Civilian Protection Advocacy Group (CPAG) on Sunday said the recent conflict has badly affected ordinary people in northern Balkh province.

Addressing a press conference here, the CPAG team called on the warring parties to pay attention and avoid civilian casualties.

CPAG committee head in Balkh Noria Neda told Pajhwok Afghan News that the recent conflicts in Chamtal, Sholgar, Dawlatabad and Chahar Bolak districts had inflicted losses on local people.

She said innocent people were being harmed, displaced and inflicted life and financial losses mostly in areas under Taliban’s control.

Neda said the Taliban, other militants groups, Afghan security forces and NATO RS mission all had their role in civilians’ casualties and other losses.

Nasima, another CPAG member, said resident of Balkh were suffering due to the months-old conflict. She said the warring sides must avoid civilian casualties during clashes and operations.

The CPAG also released a regulation letter in which they called on the warring parties to focus on peace instead of fighting.

The letter asked politicians and elders of the country to choose the path of cooperation to resolve issues and also protect the Afghans.

sa/ma