MAZAR-I-SHARIF - Residents and public representatives in northern Balkh province on Monday said “true Mujahideen” had long been ignored and their so-called leaders continued to avail perks and privileges from the government.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 26th anniversary of the Soviet military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, Wolesi Jirga member from Balkh, Abbas Ibrahimzada said the people of Afghanistan had been doing jihad against the Soviets, but others harvested the fruits of the holy war.
After the success of jihad, he said, some individuals paved the way for foreigners to interfere in Afghanistan’s affairs and they did business in the name of jihad.
The lawmaker said “true mujahideen” and their families had long been struggling with numerous problems, particularly economic hardships, but no one was listening to their voice.
“Do anybody listen to their voice? The families of the martyrs have no food to eat in remote parts of the country, they have no clinic and their children are deprived of education. There is no one to raise voice for the betterment of their lives. What did the government in this regard and what did those who call themselves jihadi leaders?” he asked.
Ibrahimzada said northern provinces were becoming insecure day by day because leadership of security forces lacked capacity.
A resident of Mazar-i-Sharif, Hussain, said he lost his one leg during the jihad against the Soviet invasion. He said they did jihad to please Allah but they were disappointed by their so-called leaders.
“The leaders would encourage us to fight against Russian invaders while they sent their own children to foreign countries for education. Now we have nothing to eat,” he said.
He asked the government to stop giving privileges to “fake jihadi leaders” and instead support “real mujahideen”. (Pajhwok)