RASC News Agency: Local sources from Nawur district, Ghazni, report that following an altercation between a Kuchi (Nomad) man and a Hazara teenager, the Kuchis are now demanding 2.7 million kabuli rupees in compensation from local villagers. The Taliban police commander in Nawur confirmed the incident and stated that the case has been referred to the court. According to sources, the incident took place 20 days ago in the “Bahai” area of Nawur and remains unresolved. The confrontation occurred when a teenage shepherd named Mahdi, a Hazara, became embroiled in a dispute with three Kuchi (Nomad) men while grazing livestock in a field. Allegedly, the Kuchi men harassed Mahdi, making inappropriate demands. In the course of the conflict, Mahdi struck one of the Kuchi men on the head with a stick, causing a minor injury.
Following the altercation, the injured Kuchi man lodged a complaint with Taliban authorities in Nawur. Sources claim that, in response, the Taliban arrested and detained 10 local villagers, including Mahdi’s father. The detainees were released on Sunday, September 8. The Kuchis (Nomads) are now demanding 2.7 million kabuli rupees in compensation, claiming that the injured man suffered a head injury and has since developed mental instability. Local villagers, however, are questioning the validity of the demand and assert they are unable to pay such a large sum. They are appealing for the matter to be resolved through the Taliban courts, but the Taliban commander in Nawur has rejected this request, insisting that the parties negotiate among themselves.
Sources further report that the Taliban summoned local villagers on Monday, September 9, warning that failure to meet the Kuchis’ (Nomads’) compensation demand would result in their re-arrest. However, Abdullah Faizani, the Taliban police commander in Nawur, stated that the case has been referred to the court, and no formal request has yet been made by either side. When asked about the incident, Faizani described the injured Kuchi (Nomad) man as “unwell” and stated that he has not yet fully recovered. Faizani denied the arrest of local villagers, but acknowledged that village representatives were summoned to facilitate a resolution.
Additionally, sources reveal that Mahdi, the teenager involved in the altercation, is now missing. Reportedly, Mahdi returned home on the evening of the incident and recounted the events to his family but subsequently disappeared. His whereabouts remain unknown. The Taliban police commander in Nawur suggested their investigation indicates that Mahdi is being hidden by his uncle. Sources also noted that Mahdi’s family is not originally from the Bahai area, but has been living there temporarily due to their work as shepherds.