LASHKARGAH - Hundreds of tribal elders, religious scholars and youth on Sunday staged a rally in southern Helmand province, urging negotiations between the government and Taliban.
Amir Hafizullah Khan, a tribal leader, told Pajhwok Afghan News on behalf of the rally participants that Afghans themselves should work for peace and stability in their country.
“Foreigners can never bring peace; we should come together to stabilize our homeland.” He said some of Helmand residents would ask Taliban to join the reconciliation process.
Akhtar Mohammad Badizai, another protestor, said Afghans had been rendering sacrifices for the past 40 years for the sake of others. “We have just tasted ceasefire benefits are trying for a longer truce...”
Nazar Mohammad Rodai, civil society’s coordination director, said many Afghan citizens wanted peace; so the government and Taliban should begin peace talks at the earliest possible.
Others held similar views. They also issued a resolution, calling for the early resumption of peace negotiations and release of political prisoners.
Last Monday, peace activists from Helmand province arrived in capital Kabul on foot after 38 days of walking. (Pajhwok)