Lashkar-i-Islam adding Pakistan fence: Residents

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Residents of Nazyan district of eastern Nangarhar province say Pakistan forces have resumed fencing along the Durand Line in their area with the help of Lashkar-i-Islam militant group.

Maghul Baz, a tribal elder of Nazyan district, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Lashkar-i-Islam militant group led by Mangal Bagh stationed in highest parts of their area used to clash with Afghan uprising forces and open fire into their villages.

“They carry sniper guns and target our people. I have shared this issue with governor’s house and NDS but to no avail. Five people of our area are being killed on a daily basis and they also kill our animals,” he grumbled.

Malak Iqbal, another tribal leader, said that Mangal Bagh was advancing with each attack on uprising forces and the Pakistani forces were establishing fence on the Durand Line.

“This man (Mangal Bagh) is a Pakistani national and but currently the people have been resisting him,” he added.

Sardar Wali Gharwal said the Pakistan army was supporting Lashkar-i-Islam group in their area in order to continue fencing.

He said the conflict was underway since past two months and dozens of people had been killed and wounded but the government was paying no attention to the serious issue.

The residents of the district warned if the government did not support them, they would stage protest rallies and would close Jalalabad-Torkhan highway for traffic.

Malik Dehqan, commander of uprising forces, confirmed the issue and sought government’s support in order to dislodge Lashkar-i-Islam militants.

Attaullah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok that besides public uprising forces, local army, border forces and other security forces existed in the Nazyan district to prevent rebels’ movement.

sa/ma