MAIMANA (Pajhwok): A ten-year feud between two families in the Shirin Tagab district of northern Faryab province has been peacefully resolved through the mediation of local officials, religious scholars and tribal elders.

After years of hostility, residents of Khwaja Ishaq village witnessed an emotional reconciliation, as two families from the Noorkhel tribe-long divided by enmity-embraced each other and pledged to end the bloodshed.

The reconciliation ceremony was organized by community elders, religious scholars and the provincial governor's office.

How the conflict began

Mawlawi Moazullah, a religious scholar from Khwaja Ishaq village, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the conflict began a decade ago when two men-Mullah Del Agha and Abdul Jabbar-were killed by unknown gunmen.

The incident ignited animosity between two branches of the Noorkhel tribe, who were related by blood.

He added that two years ago, another tribesman named Nookhan was killed on his way home, further deepening mistrust and prolonging the feud.

“Religious scholars and tribal elders continuously engaged both sides in dialogue and finally succeeded in bringing them together to prevent further violence,” he said.

Elders

Local elder Ghulam Haidar Mansoori said the reconciliation was achieved with the cooperation of the provincial governor and the head of the Ulema Council.

Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, he remarked:“If local elders had not intervened and invited both sides to make peace, this enmity could have lasted for many more years and claimed additional lives.”

Mansoori added that the presence of Governor Mawlawi Abdul Ahad Fazli and Sheikh Abdul Jalil Shaheedkhil, head of the Ulema Council, played a key role in ending resentment and fostering friendship.

“There is no greater joy than that which comes from forgiveness and reconciliation,” he said.

Religious scholars: A true Muslim forgives even when wronged

Sheikh Jalil-ur-Rahman Shaheedkhil, head of the Faryab Ulema Council, said:“Forty-six years of war have divided our people and displaced communities. Many have suffered unjustly-the killing of three members of the Noorkhel tribe in Shirin Tagab is just one example. Those martyred are alive in the sight of God, but their widows, orphans, and relatives remain burdened by grief.”

He added:“A true Muslim is one who forgives even when wronged, prevents unjust bloodshed, and turns enmity into friendship. Such people will receive God's mercy and the intercession of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on the Day of Judgement.”

The scholar emphasized that gatherings held for peace and reconciliation attract divine blessings and transform tragedy into unity.

Families express relief, joy

Mohammad Khan, a member of one of the reconciled families, expressed his happiness, saying:“Those on the other side are not strangers-they are my nephews. We must forgive and move forward.”

Sadat Gul, a member of the opposing family, also welcomed the reconciliation but declined further comment.

Governor: Dozens of family disputes resolved across Faryab

Governor Mawlawi Abdul Ahad Fazli, who attended the ceremony, said that inter-family and tribal disputes were common across the province, with some lasting up to 20 or even 37 years.

He noted that since assuming office, he has worked with scholars and elders to resolve several long-running feuds in the Khwaja Sabzposh, Khwaja Namusi, Chehel Gazi, Belcheragh and Kohistan districts.

“Most of these conflicts stem from decades of war that deprived people of education and led them to commit killings over trivial matters,” Fazli said.

The governor thanked the scholars and elders of Khwaja Ishaq village for their efforts, adding:“I am very pleased that the two families have ended a 10-year feud and embraced one another. It is an honor that this reconciliation took place in my presence.”

kk/sa

MENAFN12112025000174011037ID1110330980