Khost families reconcile, end 13-year-old feud

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): A 13-year-old feud between two families has been resolved through mediation of tribal elders, government officials and religious scholars in southeastern Khost province.

The enmity surfaced in Lakno Sanda Khel village 13 years ago, resulting in the killing of three people and injuring of one person.

Tribal elders and officials said they had resolved other such feuds.

Police chief Hafiz Abdul Rashid Omari told Pajhwok Afghan News since Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)’s takeover, dozens of enmities had been resolved in the province.

Omari asked people to maintain unity among their ranks and live in an atmosphere of brotherhood.

“We are trying to keep our efforts ongoing in cooperation of the people. Now the time of hatred and enmity has passed, we are trying to bring people to love and friendship”.

Tribal elders explained resolving such personal enmities and conflicts could lead to unity among people and preventing misfortunes.

Amad Shah Khan, a tribal elder, told Pajhwok if tribal leaders used their sincerity, many such enmities would be changed into friendship.

“These reconciliations are the outcome of the sincerity of the IEA. The leaders are trying to pay damages from their own pockets,” Khan added.

Both sides were happy that after 13 years they hugged each other and vowed to live like brothers.

Zahir Shah, a member of an involved family, said they endured many problems and hardships during the hostility.

“We spent 10-12 years in a foreign country due to our enmity, we saw hardships, difficulties and we went through very bad situations. I ask people there is no benefit in feud, it is hostility and has bad consequences”: Zahir Shah explained.

According to Noor Gul, a member of the rival family, thanked officials and tribal elders for their efforts to reconcile the former foes.

“No one should encourage conflict. Efforts should be made to eradicate such hostilities, we are happy from ulema and elders”.

Sometimes disputes surface over land and mountains, as well as over other social issues, which often cause casualties.

hz/ma