Recent unrest displaces 5,100 families in Helmand

LASHKARGHA (Pajhwok):  At least 5,100 families have been displaced so far due to the recent fighting between security forces and armed Taliban militants in southern Helmand province, an official said on Wednesday.

Syed Mohammad Ramin, director of refugee and returnee affairs told Pajhwok Afghan News that the families were displaced in the past few days from Nad Ali and Nawa districts as well as from the Babaji and Bolan areas to Lashkargah.

He said the families taking refuge in Lashkargah, were in critical condition. "We haven't done a very accurate survey as yet," he said

According to him, the government does not have the resources to help all the displaced families and charity organizations should also cooperate in this regard.

But Ramin assured that he had started a survey of the displaced families in collaboration with two organizations and that assistance would be provided to them on time.

Wali Mohammad, a resident of Nad Ali district, told Pajhwok Afghan News that there was heavy fighting in their area and they left behind everything while fleeing.

"We left behind all our belongings, we are living in a tent here, we have no place to stay and have no food to eat," he added.

Burhanuddin, a resident of Babaji area of Lashkargah's fourth district said, the fighting also pushed up prices of food and other daily use items in the city.

"There were clashes in our area as well. The rent of a house here was previously 2,000 afghanis, but now it is 5,000 afghanis, which is very difficult for us to pay," he said.

Bk/ma