Rahimullah, a resident of western Farah province who lost two body parts in an explosion, is happy with the end to war and wants people to work for lasting peace in the country.
War brings destruction, violence, pain, tears and fears besides snatching the peace of mind. Afghanistan has been hit hard by four decades of conflict, which killed millions and forced many more to flee their homes.
Rahimullah, who lost a hand and a leg in a bomb explosion like many other compatriots, lives in a mud room with painful wounds in a village on the outskirts of the provincial capital.
The 25-year-old resident of Qala-i-Zaman village, wearing two blankets and a prosthetic leg lying in front of him inside the cold room, told media, he was maimed in a blast three years ago.
He was hit by the explosion on his way from home to a nearby village. “People rushed and evacuated me to hospital. Then my relatives arrived, but I could not talk to them. Doctors said different things about me.”
Recalling the difficult moments in his life, Rahimullah said he recently went to Pakistan for medical treatment. Doctors in the neighbouring country amputated one of his legs and one of his arms.
Responsible for supporting a 11-member family he is currently running a shop. He is happy to see an end to the war. Peace is in the interest of all human beings, the man believes. In peacetime, he argues, all people can get their rights. That is why he is bout about peace returning to the country.
“But I wish I were still healthy,” he exclaims. “Afghanistan is home to all Afghans, who will be happy and prosperous only in peace. That is why we must all work for an Afghanistan free of war and violence.”
Rahimullah says peace provides people a better way of life, but war and violence create problems and make life miserable.
The young man explains: “Only mafia members can prosper in war. People like us only see pain and loss … The country cannot be built on war.”
Rahimullah, listening to sad songs, says his happiness has been snatched by conflict.
He wants his countrymen to take advantage of the recent political change that led to the end of war, shun hatred and support and tolerate each other.
