KABUL (SW) – A group of civil society organizations on Monday raised concerns over the prospects of consultative grand council Loya Jirga for peace in the country without proper representation of all segments of the society.
At a press conference, members of the Alliance of Civil Societies said the commission tasked to organize the Loya Jirga is not inclusive, and lacks proper representation of the political parties and civil society.
In the resolution adopted, the ACS noted that the peace process is a national matter, hence it is not acceptable to them that the commission for Loya Jirga is exclusively linked to the government. They warned not taking the civil society onboard would cause harm to the political system in the country.
Haq Sarosh, member of the ACS, said on the occasion widespread protest demonstration would be held if their demands are not met.
In the meantime, Syed Ehsan Tahiri, spokesman for the High Peace Council, told Salam Watandar no commission has been formed for the organization of the Loya Jirga so far. He clarified this commission would be formed in line with a proposed presidential decree.
It was set the ‘Loya Jirga’ would be held in mid-March for three days with up to 2000 delegates from across the country to discuss contours of proposed peace process with the Taliban. But, the High Peace Council has hinted the forthcoming consultative grand council ‘Loya Jirga’ would be delayed.
Last week, the HPC Secretary, Mohammad Umer Daudzai, told a moot in connection with the ‘Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process’ that the delay might be for two weeks or a month.
ENDS