Government employees, security forces and Taliban member performed the Eid-al-Fitr prayers together at a mosque in Bati Kot district in the eastern Nangarhar province on Friday.  

TOLOnew’s journalist Ziar Yad visited Bati Kot district where according to him people warmly welcomed the ceasefire between government and the Taliban and called for its extension.

Addressing the people at the mosque, a Taliban commander said they will not create any hurdle for government’s development and reconstruction projects in the district.

“We obey our leader. During the three-day ceasefire, we will not disobey his order,” Qari Zarif, Taliban’s designated district governor for Bati Kot, said.

“The Islamic Emirate and the Afghan government should extend the ceasefire,” Abdul Basir, a Taliban fighter, told TOLOnews.  

Most parts of Bati Kot are under control of the Taliban.

Residents of the district meanwhile urged government and the Taliban to end the war and make efforts for peace.

“The situation is very good and we are happy from both sides,” Shams Rahman, a resident of Bati Kot, said.

“The ceasefire is for three days. It must be extended to three months,” Malik Tayeb, another resident, said.

Government forces also said Taliban can celebrate Eid days in areas under the control of Afghan forces.

“If they commute in these areas, they are our brothers and citizens of this country and we will not have any problem with them,” said Sebghatullah, an army soldier.