People in Nimroz call for permanent ceasefire

ZARANJ (Pajhwok): The residents of southwestern Nimroz province are happy about ceasefire during Eid-ul-Fitr days but asked the conflicting sides to extend it and not keep the truce limited to Eid.

This comes as the Taliban on May 11 announced a three-day ceasefire during Eidul Fitr and subsequently the government reciprocated the move and announced ceasefire.

On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, people in Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz, came out in large numbers for shopping and are busy buying things of their need.

They expressed their hatred towards fighting and insecurity and asked government and the Taliban to reconcile forever during Eid because these blessing days call for reconciliation and brotherhood.

Farooq Hassam, a resident of 4^th Police District of Zaranj, said: “I congratulate Eid to all and want to thank the Taliban and government for ceasefire so we can spend at least three days in peace.”

He said: “We hate fighting, everyone is suffering one way or another and everyone is tired of fighting.”

“Although, government and the Taliban give no importance to public demands, still mine and other peoples request is that both sides refrain from fighting and enter permanent ceasefire and reconcile,” he added.

But FaribaHabibi, a resident of 2^nd Police District, said: “There is no zeal and enthusiasm for Eid celebration in Afghanistan because the entire nation is tired and disturbed by ongoing fighting. There is killing everyday and everyone is waiting to be killed.”

She said Eid will become logical and meaningful when there is durable peace and there is no sound of shot. “Eid days are the best time to end conflict and both sides enter permanent ceasefire,” she said.

Farhad, 58, the resident of Zaranj City, said: “Eid-ul-Fitr is a day full of blessing and happiness and we should share our happiness. There is special feeling during Eid and my request to the Taliban and government is that make this happy moment double and announce permanent ceasefire.”

Mustafa Karim, 12, said the happiness of Eid doubled when a three day ceasefire was announced.

Demand for ceasefire increased after 85 people were killed and over hundred injured as a result of violent incidents in Kabul and Logar provinces.

Nh/ma

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