Qala-i-Kuhna historical site in Helmand being recovered from grabbers

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Information and culture officials of southern Helmand province say that efforts are on for recovering usurped Qala-i-Kuhna historical castle in Lashkargah city, the provincial capital.

The castle which is located on the side of Helmand River was subject to grabbing by powerful figures during the last four decades.

However, local officials now say that efforts were on to recover the site and other land property usurped in the past.

Hafiz Rashid, Helmand information and culture director, told Pajhwok Afghan News that 46 houses were built on the land belonged to the historical castle in Lashkargah.

He said that a local resident built a sheep farm inside the castle recently during the conflict situation in the province.

The person has been arrested and he will be taken to justice, he added.

Rashid said that they also informed people who previously built houses in the area to leave the site.

Haji Mohammad Daud, a person who own a house in the site, said that he had no shelter elsewhere and that was the reason he built a house there.

He asked government officials to provide him with an alternative shelter facility and he will leave the current house.

Helmand people welcomed the move for protection of historical sites.

Dr. Abdul Halim Rahimi, a culturist from Lashkargah, told Pajhwok that there were several historical sites in Helmand but most of them were grabbed and many others were under various threats which need to be protected.

He said the government should take action and also provide public awareness about the importance of historical areas.

Archeologists call this area as Lashkari Bazaar which is made of red mud and contain several historical buildings.

This castle is world famous for its architecture and painting art.

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