Afghan National Police conduct shura with elders in the Khod Valley, vow to work toward improved security

DAY KUNDI, AFGHANISTAN

07.06.2011

Story by Spc. Ashley Bowman 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

DAY KUNDI, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police pioneered new relationships with elders and key leaders in the Khod Valley through a shura in the Kajran District of Day Kundi province, July 6.

Recent operations in the Khod valley have made the environment more permissible for Afghan and coalition forces to pursue relationships with local citizens, according to a coalition Special Operations team leader.

Local citizens in Khod Valley said elders traveled to Kajran from villages throughout the region expressing growing concern for Taliban activity in the valley.

“We need the assistance from the government to remove Taliban from our villages in this area,” said a local elder during the shura.

"We have agreed to assist our Afghan partners with security and stability in this region,” said the coalition special operations team leader. “The people of Khod Valley have expressed a need for cooperation and assistance from Afghan and coalition forces.”

The shura was the first meeting between Khod Valley elders and Afghan and coalition forces in several years, according to local ANP officials.

An ANP representative at the shura said Afghan National Security Forces desire to secure the area and explained that by providing key information to the right authorities, elders can assist with minimizing Taliban influence.

"We want villagers to know that we are concerned for their safety and that we are willing to work with them to improve their environment," said an ANP representative.

An ANP leader said local security officials plan to engage with elders often and fortify their confidence in the Afghan security forces’ ability to secure the Khod valley.

"I am very happy to see that citizens from the valley are ready and willing to support our efforts," said an ANP representative. "We are going to build upon these new relationships and work together with the elders to improve security."

• Date Taken: 07.06.2011
• Date Posted: 07.07.2011 04:27
• Story ID: 73333
• Location: DAY KUNDI, AF