PAN, May 28, 2011

Girls’ schools closed in Logar after Taliban threats

Gunmen introducing themselves as Taliban warned teachers and students to stay at home, otherwise they would be gunned down

By Abdul Maqsood Azizi

Eight schools for girls have been closed in the central province of Logar due to threats from Taliban, an official said on Saturday.

Two schools were closed in provincial capital, Pul-i-Alam, and six others in Baraki Barak district, Education Director Abdul Matin Jafar told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Eight schools for girls have been closed in the central province of Logar due to threats from Taliban. (Photo: PAN)

Gunmen introducing themselves as Taliban warned teachers and students to stay at home, otherwise they would be gunned down, Jafar said. As a result, Purak and Kamalkhel schools were closed in Pul-i-Alam.

Teachers and students have been staying away from school for eight days. Jafar said the issue had been discussed with influential figures and tribal elders.

Din Mohammad Darwish, the governor's spokesman, confirmed the closure. However, he said the schools would reopen with mediation from tribal elders and religious scholars.

"Six days back, some gunmen knocked at our door and told us not to go to school," said Najia, a 9th grade student at the Purak High School. After being threatened, her family did not allow her to go to school, she said.

A female teacher, who did not want to be named, said she had not been to school since the Taliban threatened her family members.

But a Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said closure of schools might be a precautionary measure by the government to prevent civilian casualties during their spring offensive.

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