KHOST (SW) – Locals in Khost province’s Zazai Maidan district have now allowed Pakistani troops to lay down barbed wire on the disputed Durand Line here.
Sources in the area told Salam Watandar the Pakistani troops have stopped laying down the barbed wire on the 15 kilometer patch here. The fencing began here two weeks ago.
The locals are blaming the Kabul government for brokering a deal with Pakistan over this matter. They demanded the government to clarify its position on this matter. They claimed Pakistani troops have told them the Afghan government has made a deal over this matter.
The local police lament they lack the resources to take on the much better armed and equipped Pakistani forces. The local population is also against laying down of the barbed wire.
Tawab Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor, has assured the Zazai Maidan residents of the provincial administration’s full support. He, however, rejected the notion of some sort of secret deal with Pakistan over fencing.
A year ago, deadly skirmishes erupted between the Pakistani forces and locals in Zazai Maidan over the issue of fencing.
ENDS
