KANDAHAR CITY (SW): Groups of young men and boys in Kandahar have left schools for some days to go and work in the poppy fields to make ends meet.
Many such young men and boys informed Salam Watandar economic constraints have forced them to opt for this job.
Among such people is 16-year-old Moosa Kaleem, a residet of Spin Boldak district. Moosa and his father were on the way to parts of Helmand and Kandahar where poppy fields are present. This fourth grade student took leave from school to go and work in the poppy fields due to crippling poverty and joblessness.
Two other Kandahar residents, Umar Jan and Asadullah, shared similar ordeal. Umar is student in class six while Asadullah is studying in class nine. Both cited poverty as the main reason forcing them to go and work in the poppy fields.
These young men and boys acknowledge the threats associated with the work in poppy fields, but stressed they have no other choice.
Nazar Mohammad Samimi, spokesman for the Directorate of Education, has discarded these reports. He told Salam Watandar the Directorate of Education is strictly monitoring attendance of students in schools, and those absent for too long are not allowed to continue with their studies.
Those planning to work in the poppy fields blame the government for lack of job opportunities and prevailing poverty.
However, the Directorate of Labor, Social Affairs, Disabled and Martyrs insist the levels of poverty nd joblessness in Kandahar are not lower enough that would leave people no other choice than working in poppy fields.
As per official statistics, up to 28,000 hectors of poppy has been cultivated in Kandahar province with Maiwand, Zeray, and Panjwai districts contributing major share.
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