Faryab Families Reconcile, End 14-Year Feud

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) MAIMANA (Pajhwok): A 14-year-long feud between two families in Shirin Tagab district of northern Faryab province-which had claimed three lives and left another person injured-has come to an end through the mediation of the provincial governor, the council of religious scholars, and local elders.

The dispute, involving two families from the Chokazi tribe, began over land and pasture rights. During the conflict, one person from one family and two from the other were killed, and another individual was wounded.

Speaking at a reconciliation ceremony held on Thursday afternoon at the governor's office, Faryab Governor Mawlawi Abdul Ahad Fazli said multiple meetings were held with both sides to resolve the bloody dispute.

He added that, through the persistent efforts of the governor, the head of the Ulema Council, and local elders, both families entrusted them with full authority to settle the matter.

“After careful review and hearing from both parties, the mediators issued an impartial decision in accordance with the commandments of Allah (swt) and Islamic Sharia,” Fazli said.“What was once a 14-year feud has now been transformed into peace, brotherhood, unity, and harmony.”

The governor noted that since taking office, he has mediated several inter-family and inter-tribal disputes across the province, and four or five remaining cases are expected to be resolved with the cooperation of the Ulema Council and local elders.

Sheikh Abdul Jalil Shaheedkhel, head of the Faryab Ulema Council, detailed the origins of the feud: on November 11, 2012 (21 Aqrab 1391), Abdul Malik was killed by unidentified individuals in Jalayir village of Shirin Tagab, and his son Saad Malik was wounded. Later, on December 2, 2014 (11 Qaws 1393), Mohammad Bashir, and on April 5, 2016 (17 Hamal 1395), Faizullah-sons of Haji Khwanin-were also killed by unknown assailants in Mosam-e-Haji Wakil village, setting the stage for long-standing hostility between the families.

The matter was brought to the attention of the governor and provincial authorities by tribal elders, who facilitated ongoing mediation until both sides agreed to reconcile.

Shaheedkhel explained that written authorization documents bearing 60 signatures were obtained from both families.

Based on these agreements, and in the absence of conclusive evidence regarding the killings, a financial settlement was arranged to uphold the rights of orphans and restore peace: the family of Haji Abdul Razzaq would pay 750,000 afghanis to the family of Mohammad Sharif, while Mohammad Sharif's family would pay 1.75 million Afghanis to the opposing side.

“The agreement carries serious moral and religious accountability,” Shaheedkhel said.“Any violation would be blameworthy before Allah, the Prophet, and the Islamic Emirate.”

Representatives of both families affirmed their acceptance of the decision, emphasizing that while they respect the settlement, the blood of their martyrs can never be traded for money.

Mawlawi Dilawar, son of the slain Faizullah, expressed gratitude for the reconciliation efforts:“We will never trade the blood of our martyrs for money. We do not need wealth. For the sake of Allah and His Messenger, we have granted general forgiveness and remain fully committed to it.”

Similarly, Haji Mohammad Sharif of the opposing side said the peace achieved through the mediation of the governor and the Ulema Council is more valuable than any sum of money.“Our reconciliation is not motivated by material gain,” he added.“We want to live in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood, leaving behind hatred and hostility.”

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