Nangarhar tribes up in arms against rebels

JALALABAD (PAN after they lost patience with daily violence in the Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, the uprising members said on Saturday.

Around 200 youth have picked up guns to block the entry of insurgents to their respective villages. “We can no longer bear fights and threats posed to us by the rebels,” said Malak Naeem Jan, an elder of the Abdulkhel tribe.

He said the Taliban have been widely operating in the district over the past four years, ruining their daily life.

Often civilians have been killed during clashes between security forces and insurgents, the elder said.

Atar Mohammad, 22, said he joined the campaign to assist security forces in their efforts to maintain peace.

“We have waged the jihad against miscreants. We will not let them to unleash further atrocities on innocent people,” the youth said, urging the government to assist the uprising by supplying weapons and logistic support.

A border police commander, Mohammad Ayub Hassankhel, promised every possible support to the uprising members.

He said a police battalion was operating in the area and the uprising members could contact the force in time of need.

“We appreciate the step taken by the tribes because it will help improve the situation,” he said.

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