Ghor residents call for clearance of landmines

FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): Residents of western Ghor province complain about the presence of landmines planted during past wars, calling for the early clearance of the explosives.

During the last four decades of conflict in the province, landmines had been planted in some areas, taking a toll on innocent people on a daily basis, they say.

Sharif, a resident of Ferozkoh who lost one of his legs in an explosion, told Pajhwok Afghan News the existence of landmines in the province was still threating people’s lives.

He recalled: “One day, we were going to our fields. On the way, I stepped on a landmine and lost my leg. We want demining organisations to clear all areas of explosives to save people from possible disabilities.”

Sharif urged residents to avoid walking around areas where landmines were still present. Faced with financial problems, he noted: “Poverty and unemployment have spiked after the fall of the previous government. Everyone is suffering from the current economic crisis, especially me who has disability.”

Abdul Qadir Tawana, another inhabitant of the province, also called for the government and the NGOs concerned to discharge their duties and identify and clear landmines to minimise risk to the people.

He said: “We ask the demining teams to clear our areas of mines so that the people no longer suffer at the hands of this hidden enemy.”

Gul Ahmad Almas, a civil activist, told Pajhwok: “Since there has been war in Afghanistan for years, many landmines remain buried in mountains and thoroughfares. The people of Ghor are mostly associated with farming. The mines must be cleared by demining teams.”

The head of the HALO Trust, a non-profit demining organisation, said they had launched activities two months ago in areas under threat. He added they were trying to clear all these areas of landmines and explosives.

Fazal Rabi Ebrahimi, head of the HALO Trust, said: “The areas we cover include the Ahangaran locality, whose residents have suffered the most. We are working there to save the people and farmers.”

He urged inhabitants of the province not to walk around areas at risk. Such areas would be surveyed and demined, the official pledged.

The organisation promised after clearing areas around Ferozkoh, they would expand their activities to districts. The entire province would be cleared of landmines, it concluded.

sa/mud