Hundreds rally in Balkh to demand ceasefire, peace

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Hundreds of people rallied in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, on Wednesday to voice their support for peace, ceasefire and the republic. The march began at Ferdowsi Square and ended at the eastern gate of Hazrat Ali Roza after a resolution was read out.

The protesters insisted that the Afghan government and the Taliban should not waste the opportunity for peace and stability. One of the organizers of the protest, Hussain Agha Hussaini, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Afghans were tired of war and were counting down the hours to peace and stability in the country.

He added that the people of Mazar-e-Sharif had also decided to speak out against the ongoing violence, so they took part in today’s protest. He said the Taliban should accept the demands of Afghans and make a ceasefire and peace for the sake of the holy month of Ramadan.

Another protester, Abdul Wahid Wahidi, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Afghans wanted a peace that would secure the achievements of the past two decades. He added that a power vacuum should be avoided and, if necessary, early elections should be held. “Obviously, we are all tired of war and want peace, but the price of peace should not be the disbandment of our security forces, the restriction of individual freedom and the resumption of everything from scratch,” he said.

He said the Taliban and the Afghan government should use full flexibility in the peace process. Women’s rights activist Mah Jan Mousavi, who took part in the protest, said the peace agreement must protect the rights of every Afghan.

According to her, they do not want women to be victims of peace once again and to be deprived of their right to education and work. She says all sides know that neither side can win the war.

The protesters also called on the international community to end the war in Afghanistan responsibly. Fatima, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, said the international community should increase pressure on the Taliban and the Afghan government to reach a comprehensive agreement.

“If Afghanistan is once again left alone by the international community, the damage will be done to many countries of the world.” A statement issued at the end of the rally called for an immediate ceasefire and peace between the Taliban and the Afghan government. The resolution also emphasized the protection of security institutions, human rights, individual freedoms and women’s rights.