Women's Chador Holds Honor in Sistan-Baluchestan Culture: From Blood Forgiveness to a Symbol of Unity

Zahedan – In Sistan-Baluchestan culture, women and their chadors hold a valued, symbolic place. The chador represents dignity and honor, and it sometimes becomes a sign of forgiveness, peace and unity through the act of blood pardon.

Ambassador Arjan - Group of Provinces, in a recent week, Sistan and Baluchistan witnessed two bitter terrorist incidents against women who had dedicated their lives to serving the people; Two ladies who lost their lives while doing their duty and serving and joined the martyrs of the country and Islam. Shahideh Nosrat Eftekhari was martyred while returning from the deprivation removal mission in Zahedan, and today Mrs. Afshana Aqila was targeted by a terrorist attack while returning from work and in front of her home.

These crimes have occurred in a land where the sanctity of women, especially the sanctity of her tent, has deep roots in the culture and customs of the people; A culture in which respect for women has such a place that sometimes the sanctity of a woman's tent could lead to the forgiveness of blood and the end of several years of clan conflicts.

Now, the targeting of women who were on the path of serving the people raises serious questions about the nature and goals of the perpetrators of this violence.

The dignity of women should not be violated by terrorist acts

Zhila Mirmaradzehi, Director General of Women's Affairs of Sistan and Baluchistan Governorate, in an interview with Mehr reporter, emphasized the place of women in the culture of Sistan and Baluchistan and stated: Women have been one of the important factors of development and help to maintain security in this land and respect for her place has deep roots in the culture of the people of this region.

He added: In many clan disputes and conflicts, the chador woman's sanctity had a decisive place; In such a way that the presence of a woman in the meeting and respect for her dignity could provide the ground for the forgiveness of blood, the end of conflicts and the establishment of peace. This issue shows the high position of women in the culture of the people of Sistan and Baluchistan.

The Director General of Women's Affairs of Sistan and Baluchistan Governorate expressed his regret for the recent terrorist incidents and insecurity and said: These incidents cause suffering, worry and sadness for all the people of the province, both Shia and Sunni, and such violent actions are condemned, especially when they target women.

Emphasizing the necessity of dealing with the perpetrators of these incidents, Mirmaradzehi stated: People's expectation from the security officials of the province is to identify the perpetrators of these actions as soon as possible and to deal with them legally. People also consider themselves to contribute to the provision and establishment of security.

Development and security are interdependent

Referring to the development process of Sistan and Baluchistan, he said: In a situation where the province is on the path of development and the capacity of local forces is used to advance the plans, terrorist actions can be carried out with the aim of creating insecurity and stopping this process.

The Director General of Women's Affairs of Sistan and Baluchistan Governorate continued: Development and security are interdependent and the realization of sustainable development is not possible without security. In the same way, maintaining security also requires the provision of fields for development and people's participation.

Referring to the efforts of the opposing forces to influence the public opinion and the youth of the province, he noted: In recent years, positive events have occurred in the development of Sistan and Baluchistan, and the participation of local forces in this process has increased. Violent actions should not become an excuse to stop this path or weaken people's hope for the future.

Mirmaradzehi emphasized: The people of Sistan and Baluchistan have lived together for many years and there are deep social and cultural ties between them. Attempts to create bipolarity and differences between people based on religion and identity will fail with people's vigilance and solidarity, and terrorist acts cannot destroy people's will for development, unity and peaceful life.

The blood of martyr Afshana Aqila is a symbol of women's standing in Sistan-Baluchistan

Fatemeh Ansarian, director of women's affairs of the General Directorate of Islamic Propaganda in Sistan and Baluchistan, in a conversation with Mehr reporter, condemned this terrorist act in response to the martyrdom of Afsana Aqila, the commander of Shahida Afzal's sisterhood in Mehrestan.

Referring to the targeting of this guard lady, he said: The martyrdom of this mujahid lady once again revealed the violent face of terrorist movements and showed that targeting women and mothers cannot weaken the will of the people of this land to serve and stand.

Ansarian added: The blood of martyr Aqila's legend strengthens the determination of the women and mothers of Sistan and Balochistan to raise informed, stable and united generations, regardless of religious differences.

The Director of Women's Affairs of the General Directorate of Islamic Propaganda of the province emphasized the need to maintain social cohesion and stated: The response to terrorist acts should be manifested in strengthening the unity of Shia and Sunni, the vigilance of society and efforts for the progress and prosperity of the province.

Emphasis of the women of Sistan and Baluchistan on the continuation of the path of resistance

He strongly condemned this crime and stated: The women of the province do not remain silent in the face of such violent acts and emphasize the continuation of the path of this martyred lady and standing against terror and oppression.

Ansarian pointed out: Terrorist actions not only weaken the will of women and mothers of this land, but also increase their determination to maintain unity, educate future generations and move in the path of resistance and progress.

The martyrdom of Mehrestan's Basiji lady reminds us of the necessity of safeguarding the safety and dignity of women

In a conversation with Mehr reporter, Zohreh Khojste, the editor-in-chief of Persian-Baluchi Sadganj weekly newspaper, referring to the martyrdom of Basiji woman Afsana Aqila following a terrorist act in front of her house, described this incident as bitter and unfortunate and said: Targeting women in violent actions increases concerns about the safety of citizens and reminds us of the need to deal with such incidents.

He stated that women have a special place and respect in the culture of the people of Sistan and Baluchistan, adding: Respect for mother, sister and wife is one of the deep-rooted beliefs of the people of this land, and an attack on a woman's life, in addition to grieving her family, also hurts the general feelings of the society.

Referring to the martyrdom of Afsana Aqila, the commander of Shahidah Afzal Sisters of Mehrestan, said: This incident once again reminds people of the heavy costs of violence and extremism for people who deserve to live in peace and security.

The editor-in-chief of Sadganj weekly continued: Violence does not only target human lives, but also damages the sanctity of life and the safety of families. However, such incidents cannot reduce the value and status of women in society.

In the end, he emphasized the necessity of safeguarding public security and noted that the martyrdom of this Basiji lady once again highlights the necessity of confronting violence and providing safe living conditions for all citizens, especially women.