Atef, the man who played active role in ending conflicts in Badghis

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): Abdul RaziqAtef, who played a powerful role in resolving local disputes and even established ceasefires between the warring sides in western Badghis province, says the current peace in the country should continue forever.

Abdul RaziqAtef, 75, a resident of Chakran area of Qala-i-Naw city, capital of Badghis, has decades of experience in resolving violence cases in the province and he is now a trusted person in his society.

“The violence and disputes that arise between different people in the society as a result of some problems, can better be resolved first by local elders and the influential figures,” he said.

Atef, who has spent most of his life resolving disputes in the society, says he considers working for peace in the society his responsibility.

He said that most of disputes he has tried to resolve originated from bad traditions, poverty and years of insecurity in Badghis province.

One of Atef’s most effective actions was mediating between the warring parties in the province in July this year that led to a 26-day ceasefire between the Taliban and former government forces in Qala-i-Naw city.

According to Pajhwok Afghan News report on July 15 this year, a ceasefire between the former government forces and the Taliban was established in Badghis at the height of armed clashes until the province fully came under the Taliban control on August 12.

Atef says if they had not mediated between the conflicting parties in Badghis, hundreds of young people on both sides might have been killed.

He has also taken steps to resolve disputes between people, such as resolving a dispute between Farid Ahmad, a resident of Qala-i-Naw, and his brothers, which could have led to violent dispute.

About his case with his brothers, Farid Ahmad said, “My brothers argued with me over division of inheritance, and our case was about to lead to an armed fight, but Atef who is a local influential figure, brokered our case and resolved our problem without a fight.”

He said that Atef was the most trusted person in the society due to his services for resolving disputes.

Presence of elders such as Atef in resolving disputes and violence has a great impact on creating a peaceful atmosphere, and such individuals should be praisedthe in the society, he said.

Kabul fell to the control of Taliban forces on August 15 and Panjshir province on September 6, the date when the war and bloodshed in Afghanistan came to a total end.

Atef who is happy for establishment of peace in the country said, “I want the peace to continue forever.” He called on all Afghans to get united and put to an end violence and disputes in the society.

He said he would continue working for resolving disputes and securing peace in the country without feeling exhausted.

“Resolving disputes through local elders and local Jirgas (councils) is a tiresome and difficult job; but I and other elders continue to do so, and I feel happy when resolving disputes,” he added.

He stressed that all the Afghan people should work together to prevent violence and bad traditions in society and consider resolving disputes as their religious responsibility.

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