Kunduz city has for years been almost solely linked to war and violence but this year officials decided to change its face and uplift the spirits of the people by lighting up the streets ahead of Nowruz.

Officials have said they hope local residents will be able to celebrate the new solar year in peace, especially as security in the city has improved in recent times.

“Kunduz province collapsed to the Taliban on 2016 but now we have started some initiatives to celebrate the new year in a more positive way,” said Kunduz Mayor Najibullah Omarkhel. 

Residents still however worry about security in the city, but Omarkhel said the situation has greatly improved and people can now walk the streets of the city at night – especially as so many roads have been lit up.

He said the lights that have already gone up are just the beginning and more will be strung up ahead of Nowruz.  

He said the lights will be a permanent fixture and not just for Nowruz.  

“I promise Kunduz people that in the next month we will change the face of the city,” said Omarkhel. 

A number of Kunduz residents meanwhile said they will be able to celebrate Nowruz this year in peace and even go for picnics – instead of having to deal with bullets and war.  

“Thanks to the municipality for its work. I want Kunduz residents to help the municipality to keep the environment clean by planting trees and plants,” said Yusuf Ayubi, a resident of the city. 

“Since the city collapsed many times, people have been worried. But now they are happy that the city is secure, and they expect more security,” said Jamshid, another resident.

Before this, the city witnessed heavy clashes between Taliban and the security forces and in the last three years, it collapsed to the Taliban twice.