KUNDUZ- Kunduz civil society organizations organized a friendly volleyball match between former Taliban fighters and Kunduz prisoners yesterday, to mark the International Peace Day that falls on 21 September, in the Kunduz central jail.

Mohammad Sediq, the head of the Kunduz Central Jail, thanked the organizers of the event. “We are very happy to see our country men, who were playing with guns and fighting against the Government, are now playing volleyball,” said Mr. Sediq.

Mohammadullah, one of the prisoners from Balk Province, said that they are tired of being in the prison and they need some fun and entertainment. “We play with our brothers to bring peace in Afghanistan, our country needs peace and security,” he said.

The event was organized with support from the Kunduz Provincial Peace Committee and UNAMA.

“For three years I have fought against the Government. Then I realized that we can’t build Afghanistan unless we work together, therefore I joined the peace process,” said Nezamuddin, another former Taliban fighter from Aliabad district.

Another former Taliban fighter, Wali Dad, who also participated in the volleyball match, said he had been employed by the Kunduz Provincial Peace Committee since he reconciled with the Government. He urged the Government to recruit those who have shunned violence and reconciled with the Government in the ranks of the Afghan Local Police.

In yesterday’s match which was broadcast live by local television channels, Kunduz Central Prison Team beat Reconcilers Team.

According to Rahmani, so far around 350 ex-Taliban fighters have joined peace process in Kudnuz and the employment opportunities have been provided to about 300 of them.

Based on head of Kunduz Central Jail information, around 600 inmates are living in their facilities.

By UNAMA Kunduz