ASADABAD (Pajhwok): A disabled former soldier from eastern Kunar province says he lost both of legs in a bomb blast. He does not want others to experience bitterness of conflict.
Mohammad Bilal, a resident of the Ghaziabad district of Kunar, recalled he lost his legs in a landmine explosion in the Alishang district of Laghman province five years ago.
In addition to disability, Bilal is facing severe economic problems as he is unable to purchase even small toys for his little son.
Bilal insisted conflict was not in the interest of anyone. “The 20-year war has not only destroyed the physical and spiritual infrastructure of the country, but has also ruined the lives of thousands of young people and made as many disabled, homeless and refugees.
“While on duty, I defused hundreds of landmines and saved lives. However, I lost both my legs and became disabled forever.”
The protracted conflict had snatched his blessings and hopes besides forcing him to expect help from others at such a young age, he regretted.
With his eyes welling up, he told Pajhwok: “It was 8:00pm and we were delivering supplies to the second battalion in the Qala Anjil area of Alishang district, All of a sudden, our vehicle struck a roadside bomb and I lost both my legs to the explosion.”
He called war the enemy of people and the main reason for the country’s backwardness. “Afghans are tired of war. Now that an opportunity is available, people should work together to rebuild the country.”
Despite his disability, Bilal said, he loved his profession and serving his country. Given a chance, he is still ready to serve in the national army.
“At a young age I joined the national army, I consider it an honor having worked for the army and I have saved the lives of many citizens by defusing landmines,” he explained.
His family members opposed his job and wanted him to quit it. But he accepted risk and eventually lost his legs.
Ever since, he lost his legs, no one has supported Bilal, who could no longer eke out a living for his family.
“When I was in sound health and had a job, I used to support my family and help my relatives. Currently, however, I can’t even buy a wheelchair for myself,” he remarked.
He wished his children and the future of generation of the country a peaceful life. “My life has been marred by war and insecurity, but I hope my children and the future generation of the country will live in peace and tranquility,” he said.
Both his parents are dead and his brother lives separately. The ex-soldier said: “In hardship, only my wife is helping me. Because of my disability, my wife feels hurt.”
Bilal said he was deeply hurt when his stepson asked for 10 afghanis and he was unable to pay him.
“The bitter moment of my life is when my three-year-old son, asks for 10 afs but I find my pocket is empty. He cries but I could say nothing to him,” he commented.
Information and Culture Director Maulvi Najibullah Hanif said the government was striving to help the families of all victims of past wars and the disabled under a concerted regular plan.
“The past conflict has left many of our countrymen in grief and anguish. Now that peace has been restored across the country, the government is trying to help the families of war victims and disabled people,” he concluded.
sa/mud
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