Surging IDP presence in Qala-i-Naw raises eyebrows

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): Some residents of northwestern Badghis province have expressed concerns about the presence of Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) in and around Qala-i-Naw.

The influx of IDPs had created several problems for inhabitants of the provincial capital, they complained, asking authorities for solutions.

Qala-i-Naw has become a focal point for IDPs recently, where people from remote areas of the province arrived and settled due to poverty and financial problems.

Resident Mohammad Yar complained against the presence of IDPs in different parts of the city. He said the influx of IDPs polluted the environment and some of them were involved in illegal activities.

He urged the government and aid agencies to distribute assistance in the districts and far-flung areas so that the poor did not need to migrate to the city.

Abdul Aziz, another resident of Qala-i-Naw, demanded: “IDPs should return to their homes and we want the government and aid providing agencies to deliver aid to them in their villages in order to avoid environmental and security problems in Qala-i-Naw.”

Some experts expressed reservations about the presence of IDPs close to Qala-i-Naw and said it would have a negative impact on the urban environment.

Abdul Wahid Parsa, a university teacher in Badghis, said: “The presence of IDPs inside and close to the city will create issues like a surge in serious crime, robberies, unfair treatment of children, and illiteracy.”

He added the continued presence of IDPs in urban areas or camps would hamper agriculture, livestock, and economic self-reliance in rural areas.

He stressed coordination between the government and aid agencies in delivering assistance to the deserving people in remote areas.

Director of Refugees Sadri Gul Sadiq said efforts were ongoing to repatriate IDPs to their places of origin.

He added a large number of IDPs had assured them of returning to their villages voluntarily.

nh/mud

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