The residents of the southeastern Khost province welcomed the ceasefire during the Eid days and expressed hope that it will pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and peace.
Although intensifying violence has dulled Afghans’ hopes for peace, the move by the parties involved in the war to declare a three-day ceasefire over Eid al-Fitr will revive hopes for peace among Afghan people, according to Khost residents.
“We hope that the ceasefire will lead to a lasting peace [in the country],” said Rasool Mohammad Tanai, a tribal figure in Khost province.
A tribal official, Mohammad Ali Zadran and a leader of a tribal community, Haidar Mangal both are confident that hopes for peace have risen among people, adding that it is hoped the three-days truce lead to a permanent and lasting ceasefire.
“We want peace, we support peace, and the hope is a peace that is good for all Afghans,” they added.
Local officials have also hailed the announced ceasefire, saying that if the insurgents took a step toward peace, the Afghan government would take more steps and would warmly welcome it.
Khost Governor Haleem Fedai hopes that the parties involved in the current war will start intra-Afghan talks from now on and resolve the issues through dialogue.
“It is hoped that the ceasefire will turn into a lasting peace. As a long-lasting peace is achieved, it is the real Eid of Afghans. May intra-Afghan talks begin,” he said.
The armed Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire over Eid al-Fitr on Sunday which sparked welcomes from the Afghan government and the Afghan nation.
Following the announcement of ceasefire by the armed group, the Afghan government decided to release the group’s 2,000 inmates in response.
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