Paktia Rural Violence

Paktia Rural Violence - 1978 (Soviet-Afghan War).

Become A War Blog Patreon
or

As rural resistance to the new government increased the government arranged for a religious council in Kabul to declare a holy war (jihad) against the rebels. This resulted in the rebels declaring a holy war against the government, and their holy fighters were called the mujahdeen. This meant that their fighters could go into battle knowing that if they were killed that they would go straight to heaven (djena).

Later, on 17 October 1978 the government issued decree 7 which declared equality for women and banned the paying of bride prices. They also set the minimum age for marriage at 14.

A while earlier the goverment had also made land reforms which effected a lot of powerful landowners who then aligned with the restistance.

On 19 October 1978 the government issued the new flag which replaced the Islamic green with a whole red flag.

The result of these changes upset many people and restance in Pakatia, and other places, spread, with Afghan soldiers and Soviet advisors being killed. The conflict also gave rise to over 30,000 refugees, although it was noted that the number had to be taken in context as in 1975, rural violence had resulted in 170,000 refugees being displaced.

The refugees head to Pakistan.

Quiz

What did Decree No. 7 bring about?

A) Land reform
B) Abolition of religion
C) Annexation to the Soviet Union
D) Equality for women

What did Khalq mean?

A) Muslim Brotherhood
B) Masses or People
C) Comrads
D) The Chosen People of Afghanistan

Who was the president of Afghanistan in October 1978?

A) Nur Mohammad Taraki
B) Hafizullah Amin
C) Babrak Karmal
D) Mohammad Daoud Khan

What is Jihad?

A) Holy War
B) Muslim Soldier
C) A religious leader
D) A gun

What was the effect of Decree No. 6?

A) Education of women and girls
B) Cancellation of all rural debts prior to 1973
C) Land enclosure orders and establishment of communal holdings
D) The invitation of Soviet forces to maintain order in Afghanistan

Facebook Comments

Discus Comments

Units (National Salvation Front)

Units (Peoples Democratic Party of Afghanistan)