MAIDAN SHAHR (Pajhwok): A member of provincial council of central Maidan Wardak province on Sunday urged the government to take immediate action to resolve a dispute between warring Hazara and Kochi (nomads) tribes.
Attaullah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the issue was thoroughly discussed in a joint meeting of provincial council members and with the acting governor of Maidan Wardak.
Ahmad Jafari, the provincial council head, told the meeting that the two tribes had a dispute over a piece of land for the last 12 years. The source of contention between the two tribes was the claim of ownership on a grazing land situated in the Behsud district.
The armed clashes that erupted time and again between the two sides claimed several lives from both sides.
In addition, the conflict caused financial losses on the sides. The government should interfere and find a durable solution to the lingering problem, he added.
Merwais Ameri, another provincial council member, said that some elements were out to fuel the dispute between Kochis and Hazara tribes for their vested interests.
Humayun Aziz, an elder from Kochi tribe, said that a large number of nomads had arrived in the province, sparking concerns between his and the Hazara tribes.
Aziz demanded the government find a lasting solution to the problem to avoid further losses.
Acting Governor Abdul Majeed Khogyani assured the provincial council members that he had urged the central government to help resolve the problem.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, he said had plan to task a grand Jirga to mediate between the two tribes soon.
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