We need security, not aid, IDPs tell govt

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Internally-displaced persons (IDPs) on Saturday asked the government to drive militants from their areas in the Dangam district of eastern Kunar province instead of providing them with aid.

Last month, hundreds of heavily-armed insurgents attacked the residents spearheading uprisings against them in various parts of the troubled town near the Pakistani border.

Afghan forces stepped in days after the clashes between militants and residents forced hundreds of families to flee to the provincial capital, Asadabad, and other areas.

One of the uprising leaders, Haji Muzamil, told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents had torched dozens of homes besides inflicting casualties on some people.

He said nearly 1,000 families had been displaced and some had lost everything to the conflict. The households received relief goods and the assistance process was still ongoing, said Muzamil, who also demanded action against militants.

Sher Wali, an IDP elder, said they had sacrificed their homes and property for the country. “But the government did not come to our rescue and we lost everything. Now the government should not assist us, it should maintain security.”

He said most of the families lacked proper shelter in the harsh winter, with many children, women and elderly people falling ill.

Governor Shujaul Mulk Jalala confirmed nearly 1,000 families had been displaced from the district. A special commission has been formed to register and assist the displaced families.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News some families, who suffered more, had been assisted twice or thrice and the aid distribution process was ongoing.

Jalala said a new military operation had been launched in Dangam to clear the area of militants and enable the displaced families to return home.

ma/mud

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