HERAT, Afghanistan - Nearly 50 elders met with Afghan and coalition leaders in Bakwah district, Farah province to discuss the process of fostering increased security in the district through reintegration, Dec. 20.
Six Afghan brigadier generals represented the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, Afghan Border Police and National Security Dictorate. They accompanied the Regional Command-West commander and governor of Farah.
“Local citizens must start to assume some responsibility for their own security,” said Brig. Gen. Dauransha Shazada, commander, Afghan National Army 207th Corps.
This sentiment was echoed by the RC West commander, Italian Brig. Gen. Marcello Bellacicco, stating that the insurgents’ intimidation campaign causes the decline of security and must give way to progress and reintegration.
“The governments of all four provinces of RC West plan to provide jobs for those who leave the insurgency,” said Azadi Roohul Amin, Farah governor. “They plan to utilize about $1.6 million dollars to offer former insurgents a productive life through community-based social and development programs.”
According to Amin, for this to be effective, insurgents must either take advantage of the programs or leave RC West.
“We need to make it clear to anyone with Taliban ties that they are no longer welcome here,” said Amin.
At the conclusion of the shura, Amin reiterated that it is vital the people of Bakwah inform authorities when insurgents are present so that they can begin to assume responsibility for their own security and future progress.