Afghan youths rename ‘Scud Hill’ in quest for peace

Once it was known as “Scud Hill” -- a launching pad for Scud missiles during the Soviet occupation and subsequent civil war and a symbol of Afghanistan's violent past. Now a small but growing group of young people calling themselves Afghan Voices has renamed it “Peace Hill” and planted trees on the summit to form the word “Solh” (peace in the Dari language).

“This is Scud hill, this is the place from which missiles were fired and destroyed our country. But by planting trees that shape the word “Solh” we want to rename it Peace Hill,” said Ghulam Abbas Farzami, a 19-year-old member.

Farzami was talking to AFP this month as he planted his first tree on the hill overlooking the half-ruined Darul Aman palace in Kabul, a symbol of wartime destruction.

“Believe me, when I planted my first tree, I was very happy, excited and proud,” he said. “Today is the best day in my life because, though a small step, I am happy to contribute to greenery and peace.”

The remains of Scud installations dating from the 1979-89 Soviet occupation can still be seen around the hill. White stone markings show that still only part of the hill's outskirts have been cleared of landmines.

Trees are budding and snow melts off the mountaintops as spring comes to Afghanistan. But the season also marks the start of the fighting season pitting Afghan and US-led foreign forces against Taliban insurgents.

With foreign combat troops due to withdraw by the end of next year, pessimism about peace runs deep. But the members of Afghan Voices, who call themselves change makers, have an alternative vision for their country.

“This hill was used to fire rockets and kill people during the wars. But now we have changed it to Peace Hill and this is to remind people that we, as a new generation, want peace,” said Wahid Habibi, 19, a visiting student from Farah province.

Most parts of Kabul were destroyed during the 1992-1996 civil war, which ended when the Taliban seized power in Kabul.

They were ousted in 2001 by a US-led invasion for failing to hand over Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, but have waged a fierce revolt since then against the US-backed government of President Hamid Karzai. Encouraged by the onset of spring, a small group of families gathers for picnics on Fridays on the hill. Some still recall the old times when it was a combat zone.

AFP