Projects sought for post-offensive Haska Mina

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Government officials and residents on Friday urged NGOs to initiate reconstruction and development projects in the Haska Mina district of eastern Nangarhar province following the launch of a counterinsurgency offensive there.

More than 20 militants had been killed so far during the operation that was initiated 20 days back, Brig. Gen. Fazal Ahmad Sherzad, the provincial police chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News after a grand jirga with local elders.

At least six rebels have been wounded in the operation that purged the district of militants and paved the ground for NGOs starting development activities to consolidate the gains. He said the district needed development schemes to discourage militancy.

Abdul Khaliq Shinwari, an elder from the district, agreed security forces had dealt a severe blow to militants and pushed them back. The time was ripe for government departments and NGOs to initiate development projects including schools and health clinics in the area.

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