The demands of the civil society activists – the “Joint Call Camp” – from the Afghan government in support of the martyrs and the victims of terrorism are as below: Naming Taliban as the enemies of Afghans and abolishing High Peace Council (HPC). On time supply of the logistical and weaponry needs of the armed forces, especially the first aid needs for the wounded soldiers on the battle ground. On time payment to Afghan forces for their piece of mind; providing social and economic supports to the martyrs and victims’ families such as residential estates; job opportunities for the survivors; constant financial support to the martyrs’ families who have lost their bread-winners; educational institutions for their children; etc. Presidential candidates should clear their positions regarding the Taliban and their strategy on dealing with the families of those martyred and other victims of terrorism.
I have visited the civil society activists, who have conducted a sit-in in Chowk-e Shahid Mazari, to share my feelings with them. Their deep sympathy for the victims’ families and strong emotions against terrorists and the murderers of Afghan soldiers are highly appreciable. Their civil movement against injustice and inhumanity instilled hope in me and many other Afghan youths.
Zahra Sipehr, one of the civil society activists and participants in the sit-in, was speaking with strong emotion to reflect the current injustice going on against Afghan soldiers and the victims’ families. She said, “It is not a right thing for Afghan women, who have lost their husbands in battlefields, to beg on streets and neither for their children to abandon their schools for economic constraint.” She added, “It should be clear for our soldiers that whether they are fighting against their brothers or enemies in the battlefield! Why does our President call the terrorists brother? If this matter does not be clear for our forces, their morale will be faded away, they will abandon their job or even join Taliban militants. Moreover, our soldiers’ salary should be paid on time otherwise they will lose their interests.” Ms. Sipehr pointed out that we should not end all the bloodshed and violence just with condemning or writing on our Facebook Timelines, we should also stand for our rights bravely. She also disapproved of President’s action for not attending the funeral ceremony of the 21 Afghan soldiers who were killed in Kunar province last week.
Dr. Azim Wahidi, another member of civil society activists, talking to the visitors who were mostly university students, said that they have raised their voice against injustice. He praised the crucial role of the youths in the society calling them to give their message to people and to the officials and that way join their voice. He further said, “It is the starting point of civil movements, I hope our people especially our youths always raise their voice against cruelties and injustice. Gender and race do not matter for us but what matters is the right of our Afghan nation.” He added, “It is promising for us when some government officials and high-ranking politicians visit us and share their feelings. We hope our President also will hear our voice.”
The university students, the elders and many other people were visiting them to share their feelings and boost their morale for continuing the civil movement.
I believe that such civil movements play two constructive roles namely revealing injustice and cruelties of the oppressors and demonstrating the humanity and moral values of their own. It is beyond doubt that raising voice against cruelties and prejudices smacks of one’s devotion and commitment. Hence, the participants of this sit-in cherish high moral values and human characteristics.
Civil movements to decry the inhuman acts of murder and tyranny are the very need of our society. It is the responsibility of all citizens to show disapproval for the cruelties suffered by their compatriots. We have to raise our voice to protest against those who trample upon our rights. This is what our religion emphasizes.
It is aptly said by Jimmy Carter, “Because we are free we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere. Our moral sense dictates a clear-cut preference for these societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights. We do not seek to intimidate, but it is clear that a world which others can dominate with impunity would be inhospitable to decency and a threat to the well-being of all people.”
“Break the silence; you may be the victim next time.” This sentence, which is written on the placards of the protesters, smacks of the very fact. For instance, if one does not take part in putting off the fire burning his neighbor’s house, the flame will approach and burn his own house too. Therefore, we will have to shoulder our moral and religious responsibilities through co-operating our human fellows.
“Our sons are killed but the terrorists are released from prisons, why?” This is a good question to the government, written on their placards. Unfortunately, all their slogans and questions may fall on deaf ears.
I cannot resist the temptation to use this nice saying of Michael Moore, “The worst way to defend our freedom is to let our leaders start taking away our freedoms! It is exactly during times like these [a national crisis] that we need more freedom of speech, a strong and critical press, and a citizenry that is not afraid to stand up and say that the emperor has no clothes.”
At the end, I would like to pay tribute to our social activists, especially to Ms. Zahra Sipehr, Dr. Azim Wahidi, Ms. Raihana Azizi and Mr. Sakhidad Nasiri, who have launched this movement to sympathize with our soldiers and express their condolence to the victims’ families. I hope that such devotions and commitments be valued by our people.