Afghan intruders increase attacks on Kalash valleys

By Luke Rehmat

KALASH, Aug 16: There has been a marked increase in attacks on Kalasha pastures by Afghan intruders for the last a few weeks. It may be mentioned here that every year during Ramadan Afghan intruders or militants attack on Kalasha pastures and adjoining areas and this has been going on since 2009, creating many issues in the valleys.

In 2009. They attacked on a Greek aid worker in Mumuret, shepherds in Rukmu pasture and laborers in Acuagha valley. In 2011, they targeted Chitral Scouts in Arandu and adjacent areas. In 2012, the attacks increased. There were many such incidents in past but since long these issues were controlled and now again these troubles have increased.

Noor Udin, a shepherd talking to this subscriber, said, ‘’I was sleeping inside shepherds house at 3am when suddenly my eyes opened and I saw three heavy lights coming towards me.’’
He further added that ‘’immediately I communicated with my colleagues that there are some people moving towards us.’’ According to Noor, there were five other shepherds – namely Rehmat Shakil, Pazal, Buner, Nasir-Udin, and Abad Udin. He said ‘’all of us were sleeping at separate location at the shepherd house. I escaped and with a shoe on my foot I ran out after informed my colleagues,” according to Noor five shepherds escaped from the intruders and one was possibly trapped because he was weak in hearing and his name is Abad Udin he is missing and according locals the intruder had kidnapped him. Noor says he was having a lighter but due to fear he couldn’t use it and resultantly got some injuries on both legs in dark scamper. When this reporter approached Abad’s mother, she said with tears on her eyes ‘’militants or intruders whosever have kidnapped my son would be the most wrong people on earth,’’ she further added ‘’my son was working with Kirsna Moc’s goats since last few years on monthly pay.’’

According to the victim family, dozens of young people from the village had gone to chase
and rescue the goats and the young man. If the government has failed to provide security to this small community, then we do not need forces in the valleys, says a retired armyman, Sher Mohammad. When the reporter approached the first advocate from Kalasha community, Mr. Na Baig, he said, “We respect our forces a lot, but when we asked the government to take an
emergency action and seal the borders they said they had no order to hunt the intruders.’’ A young lady police constable on condition of anonymity said there was no need to recruit only female constables from Kalasha community, adding why the government is not recruiting Kalasha boys? According to Gul Rehmat, a scouts man, the intruders or militants had their lunch at Otak pasture.