Malestan District
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Malistan مالستان |
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|---|---|
| District | |
 Malistan
|
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| Coordinates: 33°18′04″N 67°10′13″E / 33.300978°N 67.170353°E | |
| Country |
 Afghanistan
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| Province | Ghazni Province |
| Population (2003) | |
| • Total | 71,784 |
Malistan is a district in the west of Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Its population, which is 100% Hazara, was estimated at 71,784 in 2003. The district capital is Meradina.
During the period of Dost Mohammad Khan in the 1830s the area operated as part of the semi-autonomous area of Hazarajat. In 1949 the area was separated from Jaghori District. During the Soviet Occupation Maoist resistance groups were particularly active. After Harakat lost in Qarabagh of Ghazni in 1985 to Nasr, the Khomeinist organizations united to force out Hizb-e Islami from the districts of Jaghori and Malistan. However, there were only sporadic clashses here and the central government lacked interest in Malistan. Around 1997, as the Taliban began to take control of Hazarajat the area was put under food blockade, leaving approximately 1 million Hazaras on the bring of starvation, including those in Malistan.
In 2002, plans were drawn up to split Malistan into four separate districts, in order to increase Hazara political representation; however, these plans are not believed to have been carried through. From 2002-2008 approximately 3,801 refugees repatriated through the UNHCR system, although only 35 were listed as returning in 2008 and the fact majority occurring in 2002-04.
Reported intimidation has taken place by some armed groups associated with Hizb-i Wahdat which has led to some internal displacement. Members from the Nasr faction were particularly highlighted in this, and they have been accused of abductions, extortion and other crimes. Taliban presence in Ghazni has become a significant problem as well with some sources referring to the area as Taliban controlled. Aside from this the major sources of conflict are related to land and water, while debt- and marriage-related conflict does occur. Land conflicts increased greatly during the period of drought.
Most importantly, even though the Taliban are said, as of 2008, to have only limited activity in the district, the security situation in other parts of the province has greatly affected the livelihood of the inhabitants, posing serious threats to their life, security and freedom. The districts are inaccessible except through Taliban territory, where the road has reportedly been mined and in some areas vehicles have been banned. According to some reports the road from Qarabagh District to Jaghouri, passing through Malistan is under particular threat, with kidnappings and up to 150 cars having been stolen. There are also concerns that the Taliban will use the Kuchi nomads to exert their influence in the region.
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Wikipedia