Baraki Rajan
| Baraki Rajan | |
|---|---|
 Baraki Rajan
|
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| Coordinates: 33°56′0″N 68°55′0″E / 33.93333°N 68.91667°ECoordinates: 33°56′0″N 68°55′0″E / 33.93333°N 68.91667°E | |
| Country |
 Afghanistan
|
| Province | Logar Province |
| Population | |
| • Total | ~15,000 |
| Time zone | UTC+4:30 |
Baraki Rajan (Dari/Pashtun: برکی راجان) is a town within the Baraki Barak District of Logar Province, Afghanistan. Baraki Rajan lies approximately 3 km south of the town of Baraki Barak, the capital of the Baraki Barak District. Baraki Rajan is the location of the largest bazaar in the Baraki Barak District, with over 1,200 shops and businesses, with a 50+ bed hospital near the town center, making Baraki Rajan an important center for commerce within the District.
The population of mainly Tajiks and Pashtuns is estimated at 15,000 people.
Baraki Rajan experienced some of the heaviest clashes between the Soviet forces and Afghan Mujaheddin fighters throughout the Soviet war in Afghanistan. Baraki Rajan based Mujaheddin would launch attacks on Soviet convoys traveling on the nearby Kabul-Gardez and Kabul-Kandahar highways, which would result in harsh reprisals from the Soviet military. Throughout the Soviet war in Afghanistan, the area remained an active battle ground between the Mujaheddin and the Soviet military and the Soviet-backed military of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
According to a report by a Swedish committee in July 1982, in a massive operation by Soviet forces in Baraki Rajan, numerous war crimes were committed. In a three-day-long operation, villages were bombed, shops burnt and hundreds of people, including 208 resistance fighters and 25 children, were killed. Following this operation, Soviet-backed government control was never restored, not only in Baraki Rajan but the entire Baraki Barak District.
Various Mujahideen groups were active in the area with Jamiat-e Islami being the most prominent and influential in the District.
The economy of Baraki Rajan, much like the rest of Baraki Barak district is heavily dependent on agriculture. Farmers grow wheat, grains, fruits and vegetables, utilizing deep-well and canal-flood irrigation techniques. Animal husbandry is another prominent source of income for individuals in the district, who raise sheep, cattle and goats. The town center has many businesses which support the local populace, including a large textile bazaar, bakeries, groceries, mechanic shops, electronic stores, hardware stores and medical and dental facilities.
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Wikipedia