JALALABAD (SW): A tribal feud has flared-up in Nangarhar’s Sherzad district over ownership of a mountain believed to be rich in talcum that is commonly used in various industries.
The mineral is legally extracted in Sherzad and Khogyano districts by the local communities and later exported to Pakistan, but a seven decades' old dispute over its ownership has resurfaced causing tension in the area.
Ajmal Umer, a member of the provincial council, informed Salam Watandar the Esakhail and Shalalkhail tribes have been lured by the armed rebels towards reviving this 70-year-old dispute. No exact details are known about the losses sustained by both sides. Umer added the Taliban militants have provided arms to the warring tribes, and have exploited the situation to extract the mineral for themselves.
Haji Wali, head of talcum traders association, said it is not clear if the two tribes have actually engaged in clashes, or have actually conspired to encroach upon the mountain.
Meanwhile, Hassan Kamalzay, governor for Sherzad district, has confirmed the armed clashes involving heavy and automatic rifles. He also blamed the Taliban for sowing the seeds of hatred among the tribes.
Acknowledging the clashes, a resident of the area informed that the Taliban are providing arms to flare-up the clashes. He estimated the militants earn up to one million rupees from a single mine here monthly.
In the meantime, Attaullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial government, vowed a clean-up operation against the militants in this area is in sight.
Salam Watandar wished to have the views of the Taliban on the matter, but repeated calls were not answered in this regard.
Previously, similar conflicts over ownership of land emerged among various Shinwari tribes that were later settled via ‘Jirgas’ (local councils of elders).
ENDS
