Youths, schoolteachers, university lectures and tribal elders have all taken up arms in Pul-e-Khumri city in order to support the security forces and defend their city if attacked."The Pul-e-Khumri residents have gathered and are ready to support security forces and will not let the enemy enter the city," said Dr. Nasim, a tribal elder in Baghlan.
"The people will not let the Taliban enter Pul-e-Khumri city as they (residents) have created a big barrier against them," said Azizurrahman Sakhizada, a university lecturer.
"Our presence will not let the Taliban have an eye on Pul-e-Khumri city. We will not leave our forces alone," said Abdul Rauf, a school teacher in the city.
Meanwhile, a number of youths in the city continue to play their favorite sports while the war is said to be close to their region.
"The situation in Kunduz is not good, but we are not taking it seriously and we will continue our normal life," said Jawed a local resident.
Another resident, Ferdaus, said: "The war is ongoing in Baghlan and Kunduz and people are concerned about it, but we continue our sports and we call on government to end the war and ensure peace in the country."