The Achin district in the eastern Nangarhar province which was once a Daesh stronghold is now a secure region, according to its residents, who had experienced the nightmare of the group three years ago.
The areas which were used by Daesh as hideouts and training centers for their new recruits have now turned into a marketplace which witnesses a large number of customers on a daily basis.
There is no sign of the black-colored flags and propaganda on the walls in Shadal Bazar, the local market in Achin. The flags have now been replaced with Afghanistan’s flag and the shops have given a colorful image to the area. The shops sell everything from vegetables, commodities, to beverages and candies which is the favorite of the Achin residents.
Some signs of the destruction of the war against Daesh are still visible in the district, the residents said, adding that government buildings, schools and the only hospital in the district have been destroyed in conflict – which started in late 2014 and ended in 2017.
“Security has improved in Achin and people are busy in their normal life,” said Alif Khan, a shopkeeper in Achin market.
The residents are now worried about the lack of development projects in the district. They said they want development projects to be implemented in the district.
“During Taliban and Daesh war, we suffered a lot and we witnessed bad days and they destroyed our homes,” said Mohammad Ishaq, an Achin resident. “I built two rooms for myself while bearing many difficulties.”
“The area was a Daesh stronghold but now it is under government’s control,” said Obaidullah Shinwari, Deputy Head of Nangarhar Provincial Council. “People call on government to build roads, hospitals, and schools in the district.”
President Ashraf Ghani in his trip to Nangarhar on January 10 vowed to implement more development projects in Nangarhar districts while he praised the Afghan forces and the residents’ resilience in the fight against Daesh.
Meanwhile, a local official in Nangarhar said development projects in the district will be implemented in the near future.
“A survey in the district is underway as per President Ghani’s direction to soon start development projects in Achin,” said Mujib-ur-Rahman head of the provincial Rural Development Directorate.
