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Ghor: Ex-Taliban prisoner turns to social work

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20 Dec 2020 - 11:06
author avatar
20 Dec 2020 - 11:06

FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): A former Taliban fighter, who has been released in western Ghor province, is optimistic about the peace negotiations.

Currently engaged in civil activities, he says a truly Islamic government, which treats the people according to Sharia teachings, should come to power.

A peace agreement was signed between the US and Taliban in Doha on February 29. Under the pact, 5,000 Taliban prisoners and 1,000 government inmates have been released so far.

Of the 5,000 prisoners, 24 have been released in Ghor province. Mohammad Nader, a resident of the Samak village of Dawlatyar district, is one of the freed Taliban prisoners.

At the moment, he is engaged in resolving problems of co-villagers. Nader, who spent eight years in prison, is working to resolve health, education and development issues in his area.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, he said most of the freed Taliban members were busy eking out a living for their families and some others were working in Ferozkoh, the provincial capital.

Insisting that he never bothered innocent people while fighting in Dawlatyar district, he claimed: “Most of the released Taliban are daily-wagers.”

Nader said he was living along with his family in Samak village of the district and he could freely travel to any government-controlled area.

“I’m in Samak area trying to address the problems our people are facing in different areas. “We share their problems in areas of health, education and development with the government,” the former militant added.

Following his release, one of Nader’s activities is to mediate between tribal elders who have problems with each other. He is striving to remove differences among them.

“I have done my bit to solve issues among tribal leaders. Fortunately, rifts among them have been patched up. Now I’m focused on addressing people’s problems,” he continued.

Nader is hopeful of peace talks, wishing: “A government must be formed that is Islamic and looks at the masses from the perspective of Sharia.”

Asked what would happen if the intra-Afghan talks fail, he replied: “My vision is peace and tranquility. We are against the continuation of war in the country.”

He hoped the negotiating teams in Qatar would soon reach a positive outcome and help bring lasting peace to the country.

The peace parley officially began some three months ago in Doha. The inauguration ceremony was attended by foreign ministers of multiple countries, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

After three months of discussions, government and Taliban’s negotiators agreed on a three-week break. The dialogue is scheduled to resume on January 5.

sa/mud

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