BAGHLAN, Afghanistan – In a shura attended by local and national officials, more than 30 former insurgents were officially reintegrated back into their respective villages in Pol-e Khumri District, Baghlan province Aug. 9.
Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials, including the Deputy Provincial Governor, Provincial Chief of Police, Provincial National Directorate of Security, a Provincial counselor, and elders from surrounding villages all participated in welcoming the Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin (HIG) fighters back into their community.
Before the shura took place, the fighters, also known as HIG, underwent government and local scrutiny. In order to reintegrate into the community, the former fighters had to undergo biometric screening, obtain an official identification card and sign an agreement stating they would no longer commit violent acts upon GIRoA or Coalition forces and that they would abide by local and national laws.
In exchange for their promise of non-violence, within the next 30 days the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have agreed to sponsor a series of vocational, literacy and religious training in Shahabuddin village, Pol-e Khumri province. The agencies also spoke of a community center being a long-term possibility where the classes can continue indefinitely.
These programs give the reintegrated citizens, and the entire community, sustainable alternatives to armed conflict, said a Special Forces officer who witnessed the event.
The reintegrated individuals will return to their home villages to serve as a local security force while continuing with the reintegration program and will be monitored by the Afghan National Police.
“These fighters reintegrating back into their communities is a huge step in reuniting the people of Baghlan province,” said Lt. Col. Donald Franklin, Special Operations Task Force-East commander. “This is just the beginning of what we expect to be a large number of fighters laying down their weapons and rejoining the peaceful citizens of Afghanistan.”
| Date Taken: |
08.09.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
08.12.2010 04:11 |
| Story ID: |
54370 |
| Location: |
BAGHLAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: |
94 |
| Downloads: |
3 |
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