From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Loya Jirga
Mains level : Taliban
The Afghan Loya Jirga approves release of 400 ‘hard-core’ Taliban prisoners.
The term seems peculiar. We may expect a prelim question on the same.
What is Loya Jirga?
- A Loya Jirga is a special type of jirga, or legal assembly, in Pashtunwali, the traditional code of laws of the Pashtun people.
- It is mainly organized for choosing a new head of state in case of sudden death, adopting a new constitution, or to settle national or regional issue such as war.
- It predates modern-day written or fixed laws and is mostly favoured by the Pashtun people but to a lesser extent by other nearby groups that have been influenced by Pashtuns (historically known as Afghans).
- In Afghanistan, Loya Jirgas have been reportedly organized since at least the early 18th century when the Hotaki and Durrani dynasties rose to power.