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Mariam Ghani
Tarek Ghani
Zohra Saed
Massoud Hosseini
Nassima Mustafa
Bibigol Ghani
Arian Mouj Sharifi
Soraia Ghani
The Independent (London) December 22, 2003, Monday CHRISTMAS APPEAL: PASHTUN EXILES STRANDED IN TENT CITY AS BANDITS AND WARLORDS KEEP A GRIP ON THEIR HOMELAND By JAN MCGIRK IN PESHAWAR JALOZAI CAMP was supposed to be temporary, a no-frills sanctuary of DIY mud huts where Afghan families could take refuge while war convulsed their own country next door. But nearly a quarter of a century after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, this desolate camp, built on wasteland near the Peshawar city limits in Pakistan, has become a permanent fixture. An entire generation has spent their lives here in transition, while peace eludes Afghanistan and waves of new refugees arrive. Rahima left rural Paghman province in Afghanistan 14 years ago to shelter in Jalozai camp, an immense walled slum where her nine-member family continues to live. Runny-nosed youngsters with kohl-rimmed eyes play tag there in the narrow streets. Women walk in pairs to the shops, some wearing full burqas. All the residents share a Pashtun heritage, members of a tribe renowned as fierce warriors and lavish hosts who zealously guard their women and avenge any slight. "Living on handouts was so demeaning," Rahima told me, "but we came with absolutely nothing. After we were refused entry at the Pakistan border, we had to walk along a hilly track for two weeks and sneak in." On arrival in Pakistan, Rahima, one of an estimated 1.1 million Afghan exiles still living in refugee camps in Pakistan, received a tent and two quilts, plus one sack each of beans, flour, and rice. She had to build their basic hut from scratch. Electricity was installed much later, and most refugees pay exorbitant rates for power because the wiring in their dwellings is jerry-rigged and inefficient. Ockenden International, one of the three charities selected for the Independent's 2003 Christmas Appeal, distributes emergency relief at six camps in north- west Pakistan to Afghan refugees such as Rahima, but it offers more than a quick fix. The organisation also promotes self-sufficiency among these displaced communities by teaching vocational skills and management strategies. Rahima now supplies woven handicrafts to fair trade shops, working with her daughters, while her four sons are novice tailors. Arrullah, her eldest, left to open a tailor shop in Afghanistan because his new bride, Hamida, could not abide the cramped quarters with the in-laws in Jalozai. While one of Ockenden's goals is to ease the way to repatriation, many of the long-stay refugees in Peshawar are reluctant to uproot again. Journeying back to their homeland, carrying all the family jewellery and with their life savings stuffed in their pockets, the returnees are extremely vulnerable to robbery and often have no idea whether their abandoned homes are still standing after so many years away. Roads, electricity and water are scarce, and there is little chance of employment or decent health care outside Kabul. Yet some of the Jalozai families are trickling back across the border. You can see where they have dismantled the upper storeys of their mud huts, packing up door knobs, nails and even the support timbers. Wiring is stripped away, and light bulbs are carefully padded for transport. More than 32,000 families have left Pakistan's north-west frontier to try their luck again in Afghanistan since March this year. Some already have given up and returned for the winter, hoping spring will bring gentler temperatures and more secure roads. After an aid worker was murdered near Ghazni last month, the United Nations suspended its resettlement efforts. In Peshawar, there is little overt resentment of the camp-dwellers because their wretched history is common knowledge. By 1984, the Soviet army was poisoning wells, killing livestock and carpet-bombing the Afghan countryside. When Soviet fighter bombers struck even the border towns, half the civilian population of Afghanistan fled. At the end of a debilitating trek through the Khyber Pass, Afghans could find safety in Peshawar, the Pashtun metropolis in Pakistan. Afghans who stayed at home faced marauding warlords with private ethnic armies who rocketed the cities, then suffered five years of brutal Taliban rule, three years of acute drought and a resurgence of the warlords. Even two years after the American bombardment ousted the Taliban, security is illusory outside of Kabul. Cautionary tales about heading home make the rounds. One single mother with an only child returned to Kabul from a refugee camp last autumn, and promptly was robbed and stabbed by half a dozen assailants. The refugee testified to Human Rights Watch: "I had spent all of my savings to repair the house, and I didn't have much jewellery. They took all of that ... As they were asking me over and over where the money was, they took a bayonet and stabbed me. These wounds weren't too deep; they were just to scare me. At the end ... they stabbed me below my collarbone. It took eight stitches to close the wound." Some 1.9 million refugees have returned to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, an enormous influx in such a devastated country. But a sizeable middle-class emigre community of Afghan traders and businessmen thrives in Pakistani cities. Sympathy has its limits. There are frequent grumbles about Afghan refugees who are willing to labour for less than basic pay in order to eat. Mohammad Siddiqi, an office worker from Peshawar, said: "It is not as if the average Pakistani is rich. We want them to resettle in their country soon." Plans to isolate these exiles in makeshift holding centres in the tribal zone aroused the concerns of rights activists. Shalman camp is considered particularly hellish. Its inmates must return to Afghanistan by March or disperse to other refugee centres. Seeking sanctuary in Pakistan does not end the upheaval of exile.
A group describing themselves as the Centre of Black Flags has
circulated a leaflet slamming the policy of the current Afghan
leaders, US support and the Loya Jerga.
ANTI-US LEAFLET SLAMS AFGHAN JERGA AND TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT
Afghan Islamic Press (in Pashto)
Peshawar, Pakistan
December 15, 2003 16:05 gmt
Peshawar: In recent days, a leaflet has been issued by a group called
the Centre of Black Flags (Markazol Reyatol Sud) in certain Afghan
refugee camps in Peshawar and its surroundings. This declaration is
being sent to you. It should be said that the said group has
distributed such declarations before, but at the end the declaration
claimed that they issue these declarations from the mountains inside
Afghanistan.
[Start of flyer]:
Two years of the ongoing global crusades and Afghanistan's second
Islamic revolution have passed. It is clear to everyone that these
battles are led by coward imperialists, bearer and mother of global
terrorism America and the jackal Bush. And now America has completely
got entangled in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Islamic nation is moving
across sensitive and huge events of the history, and Muslims are
facing such disgrace, imprisonment and crises in which they all have
lost the way to get out of the current crisis. Some have accepted the
slavery and those who demanded for freedom were imprisoned in
Guantanamo prisons in Cuba. The devil and arrogant powers of the
world and Christians have jointly started war and different
conspiracies against Islam and the Muslims under the guise of war
against terrorism, and they are seriously working on their
conspiracies to achieve objectives of their Jews friends. They have
occupied the land of Haramen (Mecca and Medina), they want to
establish their global Jewish, Christian parliament in Bait-ol
Moqaddas (Jerusalem) and they disgrace and sexually abuse the Afghan
girls and innocent children. They shed blood of innocent Iraqis in
Iraq. The devils of Egypt and Saudi Arab have imprisoned innocent
youths. They (Americans) have directly or indirectly created mischief
and problems in every Islamic land. Muslims are being sentenced
everywhere because of Islam. Some of them have been martyred, while
some have been exiled and are now living like lions in the mountains
of Afghanistan.
They have occupied the sacred and brave land of Afghan martyrs for
the past two years. They do whatever and wherever they want without
any restriction or condition. They are allowed to enter every house.
No-one can ask them why or how. The coward imperialistic Americans
have even managed to entrap the Afghan Mojahed nation in their
slavery trap.
Now they have also started dramas and conspiracies under the name of
Loya Jerga, constitution and elections. They want to legally convince
and conquer all Afghans and Muslims for their own thraldom and
obedience. Jews and Americans believe that principally the entire
humanity has been created for their slavery. They want to enforce
their own laws and rules instead of Allah's in every country and
region. Those who don't accept their slavery are being stamped with a
certain name in order to provide a reason to attack them. And in this
manner, they have enslaved the entire world one by one.
The hypocrite and apostate government of Islamabad started the
crusades and completely cooperated with the Americans, and thus lost
its prestige and reputation in the history. It proved its hypocrisy
and wickedness to the whole Muslim world and sold Afghanistan and
Mojahedin to the Christians. Afghanistan was occupied first by
Islamabad then by Washington. If Americans were not supported by
Islamabad, even a single American helicopter could not land in
Afghanistan. But besides all these things, the government of
Islamabad, Iran, Syria and Saudi Arab should also wait for their turn
after Iraq. Americans apply the words terrorism and terrorist to
everyone who safeguards and defends his religion, country, dignity
and wants to live a free life under the concept of humanity.
America calls her slavery the freedom, in her view the justice means
imperialism and righteousness means corruption, erosion and might.
We by representing the whole Afghan Mojahed nation say that 'Loya
Jerga is a huge conspiracy':
Loya Jerga, elections and constitution are such deceiving topics by
which they (Americans) beguile and convince foolish, coward and slave
Afghans. Americans have come to Afghanistan to implement the system
they want. They don't allow any one to choose what they want, and
they don't give freedom to anyone. They form such showy Jergas to
legalize their presence in the eyes of people and enslave them by
legal means. Loya Jerga and elections are, in fact, Americans' huge
conspiracy which also demonstrates America's objectives. In Loya
Jerga, people are being elected and imposed on this nation by America
and CIA. Everything has already been set up, and every one (Jerga
delegate) has already been assigned to each task. They only make a
showy film in order to gain a legal foundation and then impose it
legally on the nation. Neither any Afghan is agreed with such Loya
Jergas and constitution nor has the nation elected these people
(Jerga members). If the right and opportunity of demanding freedom
and speech is given to afghans, then you will see that whom the
Afghans elect and which constitution they want?
In fact, it is an imposed Loya Jerga and constitution which have been
elected by the CIA. And Afghans and Muslims of the world are obliged
to accept such conspiracies by the force of B-52. These are the great
conspiracies and war that are being carried out.
How can it be a National Army or National Police which are directly
formed, financed by Americans? All posts are being formed by their
own choice, and everything they order are being implemented. Then how
can it be judged a National Army.
How can it be National Army, National Police, Loya Jerga and national
constitution which are being imposed on nation by use of force and
wealth? Which freedom demands for such things? Wala Haula Wala Qwata
(an Arabic expression)
If it is a real National army, National Police or Loya Jerga and if
the nation is happy with the puppet regime of Kabul, then America
should stop supporting these puppets and we will see whether this
regime stands on nation's power or on US feet and support. We believe
the slave Kabul regime has very short life. You should bear in mind
that the Kabul regime will collapse simultaneously with America's
withdrawal. Kabul regime is, in fact, a system written on snow and
doesn't have any effective concept or reality. It is an imposed
servant regime, and even if it lasts long it will melt within four
years. Afghans are not agree and happy with Americans and present
system, and they are only waiting for an opportunity to revolt. They
are looking for how to get out of current situation and how can they
revolt?
The constitution is a basic conspiracy and mischief: Formation of
constitution is a fundamental way and conspiracy to permanently
enslave all Afghans and give them a puppet constitution. They
(Americans) want to enslave the Afghans legally under the light of
this constitution. In connection with the constitution we will say
that this constitution has been made by America and a few servant and
apostate persons for benefits of America. It is a great conspiracy
imposed on Afghans so that US could give a legal shape and status to
its puppet regime and legalize its invasion and presence in
Afghanistan. By playing such games, they want to beguile people and
keep them engaged and away from them (Americans.) Those who believe
on such subjects and their authenticity and genuineness are the most
foolish, nonreligious and unconscious people. Such people have
completely lost their Afghani, Islamic and even humanitarian
identity, consciousness and distinction. They seem human beings, but
in reality and with regard to faith, morality, spirituality and
identity they are slaves, servants, apostates and like animals.
In a situation when the country is occupied, Americans are searching
and disgracing women and children in every home, martyrs are lying in
the mountains with their bodies besmeared with blood and Bagram and
Kandahar are full of prisoners, what does a Loya Jerga or
constitution mean? There is need of a huge wonder and regret on such
people and situation. Which conscience makes such judgments or
demands for such things? Had a single view or opinion been taken
during compilation of constitution? What do you think; are Afghans
agreed with America's invasion and presence in their country? No
never. Had there been consultations with any conscientious Afghan? No
never. All these topics are being imposed by US and these are
different American conspiracies and wars.
There is no need to form constitution in Afghanistan. The
constitution of our Mojahed Afghan nation is known from past which
has been approved by God and has been revealed on Prophet Mohammad
(PBUH) 1400 years ago for the prosperity, guidance and success of all
mankind and which is effective till the Day of Judgment. Revolutions
are going on everywhere in the world for sovereignty of this
constitution and Allah's order. For the implementation of this
constitution, we have had second Islamic revolution during last 20
years, and we have given 1.5 million martyrs for this sacred
objective. For the sovereignty of this constitution, prisons of
Guantonamo, Bagram, Kandahar, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabs are full
of prisoners. Thus how can Afghans accept any other constitution now?
Drafting and approval of any other constitution in the presence of
Holy Quran is no doubt blasphemy. It is neither acceptable for any
one nor has it any meaning or concept.
All articles of this US-made constitution are clearly contradictory
and incompatible with Islam. Nationalism never requires Islamic laws,
there are no borders of land in Islam, there is no democracy in
Islam, and there is no mixed men and women system in Islam. In short,
all these articles have been placed to end Islamic foundation. If it
is not true, then why this constitution has been formed? Why is there
any need for another law in presence of Islamic law?
Every one who doesn't judge what has been revealed by Allah is
infidels (Koran's verses). Every one who compiles and approves a
single law and other people obey him in their acts then the obeying
people are called servants of those who formed the constitution. The
one who forms this constitution is called their lord. The former of
this constitution is their Allah, and the way the fallow is
considered to be their religion.
As a principle, it is a common draft and every one should choose his
life in the light of this draft and should recognize his identity,
and should realize whom should he obey. The practical life of all
existing humanity is included in this principle.
So everyone who accepts constitution of Bush, America and their
coward servants is America's slave and the one who accepts the
constitution of Allah is the slave of Allah.
It is of extreme regret and wonder that such people have been created
by God, they live on his earth, and He gives them everything. These
people will finally go to Allah's court and will soon face him to get
their rewards. So, why don't they become the slaves (worshippers) of
God, but instead they become the slaves and Americans and their
slaves.
Finally, it is repeatedly declared that Jehad is an obligation and
parents' permission is not pre-requisite in this regard. There is
need of choosing an independent, sacred entrenchment and a battle-
array to fulfil this obligation (Jehad). And anyone who cooperates
with Americans either by speech or by Loya Jerga and accepts the
constitution has deviated from Islam and deserves to be killed and is
excluded from Ebrahimi nation.
Now America has lost its prestige as well as power by all means and
has politically become alone. Financially, America has been sixty per
cent shrunk. From military aspect, you can observe it in Iraq and
Afghanistan in which US face intense resistance and casualties. They
(Americans) have been restricted to their own caves. Their dreams are
burning like petroleum, gas of Afghanistan and their all lusts are
about to drown in Amu River.
Muslims should never be worried and, God willing, America will soon
collapse as USSR in Afghanistan and in the entire world. US collapse
in Afghanistan is due and must. God willing, Afghanistan will become
second Vietnam for America. Afghanistan will be their (Americans)
third grave next to Britain and Russians. No imperialist has ever
passed more than ten years in Afghanistan and has been not able to
swallow that country and make Afghans slaves. Afghans can be hired
but can neither be purchased nor can be enslaved.
Ultimately, we tell America and Crusades neither compromise nor
disgrace is acceptable for us. In the way of Islam, we consider
imprisonment as austerity, exile as tourism and death as martyrdom.
Be healthy anyone who is obedient of the right way. (Translation of
Arabic verses)
By: Centre of black flags from the mountains of Afghanistan.
Posted By:
mariam January 17th 2004, 2004 3:47 PM
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