PAKTIKA, Afghanistan – Zarghun Shar district officials and elders from Payandeh Khel village met at Zarghun Shar District Center to broker solutions for the village’s security Sept. 29.
Payandeh Khel villagers have historically been victims of rocket attacks and Taliban intimidation. The overwhelming turnout for the security meeting sends a clear message: Taliban insurgents are not welcome anymore.
“Zarghun Shar district as a whole is a great success story,” said a coalition Special Forces adviser. “They have good development and governance with just this small pocket of negative influence.”
Afghan security officials state Taliban insurgents would like people to think this is a religious war. However, the Taliban divides the people.
“Islam stresses union,” said Maj. Abdul Wali, Afghan National Army 1st Kandak operations officer. “For the sake of religion, welfare and the society, I am pleading they do not listen to the bad preachers. Religion is not dividing the society, the people are. We must be united.”
Wali stated the villages are like homes in themselves, and in order to have a strong home, they must have a good foundation.
“Religion is our strong foundation,” said Wali. “Our Afghan villagers, scholars and professionals are the walls of our home. Together with Afghan Local Police, we can have peace and security.”
The meeting ended with village elders agreeing to support Afghan National Security Forces in Payandeh Khel village; their first step toward a more stable future.
“At first, villages do not want ALP, because they do not realize the peace and security the force brings,” said Wali. “ALP are capable of securing entire districts.”
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