Local officials in Balkh on Saturday said nearly 2,000 out of 8,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to their homes in Kunduz after they left their houses to seek refuge in the neighboring province.

Zabiullah Akhtari, provincial director of technical services of Refugees and Repatriation Ministry, said a number of Afghan businessmen and aid organizations have distributed food ‎and clothes to the displaced families.

"Government distributed tents to the displaced families and charity organizations provided them with blankets and clothes," Akhtari said.‎

The displaced families said they are happy as they are returning to their homes.

They urged government to ensure their safety and prevent insurgents from destabilizing the northern province once again.

"It is the second time we have left our homes due to the war. The first time [when parts of Kunduz city were captured by the Taliban], we went to Takhar and this time we traveled to Mazar-e-Sharif city in Balkh," said Khair Mohammad, an IDP in Balkh.

"We urge government to secure Kunduz and help us get rid of this difficult situation," said Noria, Khair Mohammad's wife.

Meanwhile, a number of displaced families said their houses have been destroyed and their properties have been stolen in the recent spat in Kunduz.

"How long should we suffer this situation and leave our homes? We are eight members in our family. I spent Afs13,000 and I don't have any income," said Juma Gul, a resident of Kunduz who is living in an IDP camp in Balkh.

"Our properties were stolen and the people have lost all they had. I was informed last night [Friday night] that that my house was robbed," said Sayed Ghafar, head of Kunduz disabled persons and war victims association.