JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Illegal excavation of gemstones from nearly 400 mines has been underway in eastern Nuristan province, with half of the revenue going to militants, officials and public representatives say.
Local officials acknowledge the illegal mining at nearly 400 deposits near Paroon, the provincial capital, and some districts of Nuristan.
The provincial council (PC) claims 50 percent of the revenue generated from gemstones ends up in pockets of rebel groups.
According to the Nuristan Mining Department, illegal digging of gemstones, including ruby and emerald, is underway at 370 sites without a penny being . . .
