KABUL (Pajhwok): Two people have been killed during tensions over the destruction of poppy fields in Argo district of northeastern Badakhshan province, police said on Saturday.
In a statement, the police headquarters said anti-narcotics forces were deployed to the Atan Jalo area of Argo district on Friday as part of the ongoing poppy eradication campaign in the province.
It said a number of local residents and farmers, allegedly “incited by criminals and drug traffickers,” attempted to prevent the operation, leading to tensions during which a child was killed.
The statement added that some residents in the same area again staged protests and unrest on Saturday, allegedly encouraged by “malicious individuals and drug trafficking networks,” during which another person lost his life.
Following the incident, the Kishm–Faizabad highway was temporarily closed to traffic, but was later reopened after efforts by security officials, religious scholars and tribal elders helped bring the situation under control.
The police said the situation in the area is currently normal and remains under the control of security forces.
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