Dostum, Hamdard decide to bury the hatchet

KABUL (Pajhwok): Uzbek leader Rashid Dostum and Paktia Governor Juma Khan Hamdard reconciled on Monday, ending a long-running feud between the two influential figures, an official said.

The Junbish-i-Milli Islami leader is contesting the presidential elections as first-vice presidential candidate of frontrunner Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, who spearheaded the reconciliation effort, said Roohullah Samoon, Hamdard’s spokesman.

The differences between Dostum and Hamdard broke out seven years ago, when Hamdard was the governor of northern Jawzjan province.

Samoon added due to some misunderstandings, supporters of Dostum had staged protests against Hamdard when he was Jawzjan governor. He recalled the protests against Hamdard, a former Hezb-i-Islami (HIA) leader, turned violent and led to casualties. However, the differences were resolved this evening when the two leaders vowed to work jointly during the presidential elections.

Ghani on his Facebook page wrote that a meeting was held to end misunderstandings between two important national and political personalities — General Dostum and Hamdard.

The meeting was held at Ghani’s residence, where a number of religious scholars, tribal elders and influential figures were in attendance.

Ghani said the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation and friendly relationship.

The development comes after HIA leader Qazi Mohammad Amin Waqad announced support to Ghani, who is facing Abdullah Abdullah in the runoff election slated for June 14.

ma/mud

Visits: 1