Qarghaii, Laghman Province, officially announced as Peace District
Written by Air Force Capt. Heather Kekic, Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
The district of Qarghaii, located in eastern Laghman Province, Afghanistan was officially deemed an Afghanistan “Peace District” Feb 11. This achievement was formally recognized and celebrated by Laghman Governor Gulab Mangal, provincial leaders, United Nations and UNAMA in a ceremony held Feb. 12 in the Mehtar Lam Sarag Garden.
Approximately two weeks before the Mehtar Lam ceremony, more than 60 weapons had been turned into the Disbandment of Illegal-Armed Group (DIAG) by Qarghaii citizens and placed on display in the Qarghaii District Center Jan. 28.
I thank you all for doing such a great job to bring Laghman peace, said Mangal. But I am especially thankful to the elders. We should all try very hard to work in our province, districts and communities to bring the peace.
Mangal said he encouraged Mehtar Lam’s people to join DIAG before but the efforts were unsuccessful and he is glad that they found success when they tried for a second time.
Peace is a necessity in every society, said Mullah Qari Rouhullah Fayaz, Provincial Council Member. Islam wants peace in every society. It is a message straight from God, to bring peace.
Forgiveness is also necessary for good relations of the people, Rouhullah said when speaking about the former Qarghaii Taliban leaders who recently joined the Program Tahkim Sulh (PTS) or “Return to Peace.”
Personnel from the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) also participated in the ceremony. The PRT commander congratulated the Qarghaii people and said they set the true example for all of Afghanistan.
The PRT promises to continue to help Laghman people, said Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Ricci, This past year the PRT has spent more than $13 million for reconstruction and we will continue to pledge more money and support but we need the help of everyone.
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