Dispute resolution body set up after violent protest

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): A dispute resolution council has been established after a clash between security forces and residents killed four people and injured five others in northern Jawzjan province, an official said on Wednesday.

The casualties occurred two days back when hundreds of people protested against border police in Qarqin district for not allowing them to cross the Amu River into neighbouring Turkmenistan.

The protestors reportedly stormed the district and police headquarters, smashing window glasses and doors and the situation turned an ugly shape when of some of the protestors allegedly tried to disarm the police.

The protesting people wanted to cross the river into Turkmenistan to harvest a herbal plant locally known as Shireen Boya (liquorice).  

Deputy Governor Abdul Rahman Mahmoodi, who headed a delegation to the district centre, said they had constituted a dispute resolution council. Mahmood, eight tribal elders, the district administrative and police chiefs were members of the council.

The deputy governor said the protestors had demanded the dismissal of the district crime branch chief and permission to cross the river. He said the crime branch chief had been dismissed and their others demands would be met soon.

A resident, Muhammad Hassan, said the Amu River had drastically changed its course. He said Shireen Boya was found across the river. The plant is used for making colors of rugs and herbal medicine.

sam/ma

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