The situation in Maidan Wardak province was normal and no fighting was reported between government forces and the Taliban in the first day of the ceasefire on Friday.
TOLOnews journalist Tamim Hamid visited areas under government as well as Taliban’s control in Maidan Wardak on Friday.
Mohammad Naeem Entiqam, a Taliban commander, accompanied the TOLOnews team to the areas that according to him are under control of the group.
The Tangi area in Sayed Abad district is under Taliban’s control for many years.
The Taliban fighters stationed in Tangi has not fired on security forces after their leaders announced ceasefire.
“People are celebrating Eid days in a free and stable environment,” said Entiqam.
The area has been a battlefield between government forces and Taliban for many years.
Residents of Tangi said they have suffered from the violence.
They added that they are excited about the ceasefire therefore they urged government and the Taliban to extend the truce.
Hafizullah, a resident of Tangi, said his house was destroyed in conflicts between government forces and Taliban.
“You see everything is destroyed. Walk closer and see. These were our rooms that have been destroyed now,” said Hafizullah.
Taliban members were seen in the only market in Tangi on Friday.
Residents had different views on the ceasefire. Some said peace is the only solution for the war in the country, while others criticized government’s inability in the fight against insurgents.
“Currently, the security situation is good and we are happy. Especially after the ceasefire, we are very happy,” Sher Mohammad Hussaini, a shopkeeper said.
“The government leaders have differences among themselves. Few days ago, (President Ashraf) Ghani fired a minister, but (Chief Executive Abdullah) Abdullah did not accept the decision. Therefore, how the soldier follow their commanders’ orders in such a situation?” asked Khalil Rahman, a tribal elder in Maidan Wardak.
Government forces were on the defense in Maidan Shahr, the center of the province.
Khan Agha, 23, is a police soldier who has served in the province for more than two years.
Khan Agha said they are hopeful that finally peace will come and war will end in the country.
“They should stop war. How many causalities should we suffer? We suffer heavy losses every day,” he said.
“We should use this chance to rebuild the country. We should work together,” Sayed Nazrab Shah Hashemi, police commander of Sayed Abad district said.
Sayed Abad district is an example of the areas that in over a decade have witnessed war and violence and the residents are counting seconds for having a peaceful life.