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Qarghaii officially announced as ‘Peace District’

  • Published
  • By Air Force Capt. Heather Kekic
  • Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan --  The district of Qarghaii, located in eastern Laghman Province, Afghanistan, was officially deemed an Afghanistan "Peace District" by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Feb 11. 

This achievement was formally recognized and celebrated by Laghman Gov. Gulab Mangal, provincial leaders and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan during a ceremony held Feb. 12 in the Mehtar Lam Sarag Garden. 

Approximately two weeks before the Mehtar Lam ceremony, more than 60 weapons were turned into the Disarmament of Illegal-Armed Group program by Qarghaii citizens and placed on display in the Qarghaii District Center Jan. 28. 

"I thank you all for doing such a great job to bring Laghman peace," Mangal said. "But I am especially thankful to the elders. We should all try very hard to work in our province, districts and communities to bring the peace." 

Mangal said he encouraged the people to participate in the DIAG program before but the efforts were unsuccessful and he is glad they found success when they tried for a second time. 

"Peace is a necessity in every society," said Mullah Qari Rouhullah Fayaz, provincial council member, "Islam wants peace in every society. It is a message straight from God, to bring peace." 

Forgiveness is also necessary for good relations of the people, Rouhullah said when speaking about the former Qarghaii Taliban leaders who recently joined the Program Tahkim Sulh or "Return to Peace." 

Personnel from the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team also participated in the ceremony. The PRT commander congratulated the Qarghaii people and said they set a true example for all of Afghanistan. 

"The PRT promises to continue to help the Laghman people," said Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Ricci, the PRT commander. "This past year, the PRT has spent more than $13 million for reconstruction and we will continue to pledge more money and support but we need the help of everyone."