LASHKARGAH (SW) – The residents of Helmand province living in the Taliban-controlled areas are faced with acute economic and grim social and security constraints.
The government has full control over Nava, Greshk and Naad-e-Ali districts while the Taliban are in control of Desho, Khansheen, Bagharan, Nawzad and Mosa Qala district. The government control in Garmsir, Washer, Marja, Sangin and Kajaki districts is confined to the district centers alone.
Residents of these restive districts told Salam Watandar the population here is deprived of quality education, job opportunities and health services amid other constraints. They demanded swift clean-up operations in the area to push the rebels away.
Abdul Haq Zwakman, a local civil society activist, said the people living in areas under the control of the Taliban are living miserable life, and are faced with multiple challenges besides the raging insecurity. He requested the government to take immediate steps towards resolving these issues.
Local officials acknowledge these issues. Zahid Ahmad, media affairs adviser to the provincial governor, told SW it is quite difficult to plan and execute development projects or provide quality services to the residents in the areas under the Taliban control. He said the security forces are busy with their own plans for improvement in situation. He added an operation is currently underway to take back full control of Sangin district.
He expressed hope soon all remaining districts would be liberated from the control of the Taliban that would bring positive change in the lives of the residents.
ENDS
