KANDAHAR - Hundreds of religious scholars called “Ulemas” gathered at the Kandahar Provincial Council to discuss peace and reconciliation in Kandahar today.

The daylong Jirga was also attended by a member of the High Peace Council, Maulwai Shafiullah Shafi “Nooristani”, and the Advisor Minister to the President on religious affairs, Maulwai Mohammad Usman Salihzada.

“Peace cannot be achieved by chanting slogans and writing a few messages. It requires tangible, practical and logical efforts and can be achieved by working honestly and adopting it whole heartedly,” said Kandahar Governor Dr Toryali Wesa, in his inaugural speech.

This is the second such event in as many weeks in Afghanistan’s restive southern region. About 1,000 Ulemas and tribal elders had met in Tirin Kot, the capital of neighbouring Uruzgan province, earlier this month to discuss peace and reconciliation.

“There are several methodologies to bring peace (in Afghanistan). However, we should focus on some of them, which includes the role of the Ulemas who can explain the importance of peace in the context of Islam and should be acceptable to the people and opposition groups,” added Mr Wesa.

Other participants today’s event also highlighted the significance of peace and said that the Afghan people have fought enough for almost 35 years and achieved nothing. Now is the time to solve our disputes through negotiations and through talking, some of the speakers said.

“Today, we all turn to the Ulemas expecting them to step forward and play the pivotal role to enlighten the vision of the people to understand the significance of peace,” said Maulwai Shafiullah of the High Peace Council.

A member of the Kandahar Provincial Council, Haji Agha Lalai, offered four steps for peace in Kandahar: security; critical role of Ulemas; gaining the confidence of local tribal elders of Kandahar and establishment of strengthened local police force; development and reconstruction.

At the conclusion of the today’s Jirga, the Ulemas issued a 15-point declaration which among others included: respect for human rights; full support to the peace process; publication of a magazine/newspaper by the Ulemas advocating for peace; Ulemas publicizing peace messages in the districts; including peace in school curriculum.

By UNAMA Kandahar

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