The two sides of a conflict in Maidan Wardak province over 120 kilometers to the east of Kabul are blaming each other for violence that has continued for the last few years.
The two sides– the Behsud residents and the Kochis (nomads) – are stationed in Dasht-e-Gola area in Behsud district of Maidan Wardak.
Late last week, a delegation was sent from Kabul to assess the situation and find a solution to the clashes that have erupted occasionally over the last few years.
Behsud residents blamed the Kochis for attacking their homes and agricultural fields, which is denied by the Kochis.
“The residents of Behsud are those who have been very affected by these (clashes). People have been displaced, their houses have been torched, their fields have been damaged,” said Haji Aqa Mohammadi, a relative of Behsud victims of clashes.
The two sides also blamed each other of having the support of foreign countries in equipping them with arms.
“This is an insult to your people actually who are once linked to Fatimiyun or Iranian forces,” said Ghulam Husain Naseri, an MP from Maidan Wardak, addressing a crowd of Behsud residents earlier this week. “If you the central government have problem with Iran, go and solve it with Iran.”
“It is exploited. We are affected. We should find those who are misusing this (matter),” said Abdul Rahman Wardak, a member of the delegation and an MP.
Amanullah Ahmadzai, head of the Kochis council in Maidan Wardak rejected the claims.
“They built checkpoints every 50 to 100 meters and each checkpoint from Dai Mirdad to Kajab (area) had 10 people. There are more than 200 checkpoints. How many people will be in all of them? Where have they have found arms for it and where do they get the support from?” asked Ahmadzai.
The delegation pledged to soon share their findings with the government. But the delegation members said they could not visit the areas where the Kochis are living.
“Our commitment is firm. We will reveal realities to you. Realities will be presented to the parliament and to the president,” said Abdul Sattar Husaini, head of the delegation and an MP.
“Unfortunately, we could not meet the Kochis in the area. We still don’t know their suggestions, but all villagers believe that Kochis should move and the central parts do not have the capacity for them,” said Mahdi Rasikh, a member of a probe team of the parliament for the Behsud incident.