Bids to usurp ancient, historical areas in Ghazni frustrated

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Some people are still trying to usurp ancient sites in southern Ghazni province, but their attempts are being frustrated, an official said.
Ghazni Information and Culture director Mullah Hamidullah Nisar told Pajhwok that a number of common people last week wanted to seize 10 acres of an ancient site in order to build houses in the first district of Ghazni city, but they were prevented from doing so and the walls they had built were demolished.
He said some lands of ancient sites in Ghazni City remained usurped and a report in this regard had been prepared and would be shared with the relevant commission.
Mullah Nisar said no one was allowed to usurp or dig historical forts, minarets and other areas registered with his department in the old city. The government’s action to free heritage sites from usurpers was welcomed by Ghazni residents.
Haji Qayum, a tribal elder, told Pajhwok Ghazni enjoyed immense historical value compared to many other provinces and powerful individuals had seized many historic places during the past 20 years.
He said Ghazni minarets, Sheikh Abdul Salam shrine, Sheikh Abdul Razzaq’s tomb and the area around the old city had high historical value and some people wanted to usurp them.
Abdul Razaq, another resident, said a number of areas and lands had been seized by some people taking advantage of the past political developments.
He called on the Department of Information and Culture to protect and prevent destruction and seizure of historical places.