Shun biases, forge unity, speakers urge people

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): A gathering in northeastern Badakhshan province has called for peaceful coexistence among people, linking decades of war in the country to different kinds of biases.

The Information and Culture Department organised the gathering, which was attended by religious scholars, elders and local officials.

Director of Information Maazuddin Ahmadi urged youth to pay heed to Islamic teachings and national values and work to prevent divisions and prejudices.

Over the last 20 years, thoughts of youth and the general public had been influenced negatively, the official alleged, suggesting such events should be held to promote unity and discourage biases.

Mujib Rahman Akhundzada, chief prosecutor, likened prejudice to cancer that claimed lives of thousands of civilians.

He believed religious, ethnic and racial differences caused Afghanistan’s handover to the US and NATO in the wake of mujahidin’s victory.

Abdul Basir Haqjo, head of the Journalists Council, told the audience the Afghan must equip themselves with modern technology and information. The Afghans must strive to gain knowledge and embrace mutual acceptance.

Stoking prejudices among Afghans, regional intelligence networks and colonial forces had been trying over the last 43 years to keep the pot boiling in Afghanistan, he concluded.

ja/sa/mud

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