In early February, over 100 weapons were turned in to the Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG) representatives in Shinwar District, Nangahar Province during a Jirga. The Jirga was centered around the DIAG program.  The tribal elders of the area had collected weapons and turned them into the DIAG through the Afghan National Police and the sub-governor of the district. The DIAG regional advisor, Nazmas Jugbery was there as well.

Speakers at the Jirga included the district sub-governor, a parliament member for Nangahar Esa Khan, Mula Jan a member of the official Shura in Jalalabad, Haji Samat the second person in charge of the Shinwar Shura, the La Pur Sub-Governor Mirza Mohammad Nasrat, a tribal elder and former mujahadeen commander Haji Aktar Mohammad, the DIAG representative,  Sher Afsil from the Mohmand Dara tribe, and the chief of police.  All of the speakers talked about the good security in the district, the poppy eradication, the DIAG program, and how the country needs to put down their weapons and use the pen to fix their country.

At the end of the Jirga, the guest speakers were presented with a Lunguta, the traditional Afghan turban.  In all there were approximately 45 elders present for the meeting.  The weapons turned into DIAG ranged from pistols, AK-47’s AK-74’s, Enfield’s, and numerous other assorted bolt action and crew served weapons. 

Coalition Forces have also presented the Shinwar district sub-governor and police chief with certificates of thanks for support during all the training for the past year.  Once the turn in was complete, the sub-governor and chief provided lunch for all the guests.