Nik Mohammad khan Mangal

Nik Muhammad Khan Mangal (1913 – 1979) was an Afghan Major General who led the Military Operations Department at the Ministry of National Defense from 1966 to 1973.

Arrest and disappearance On the night of April 27, 1979, Mangal and his nine sons were taken from their home in Jamal Mina, Karta 4, Kabul, by the police. He had been retired for seven years and had no official role at the time. While Mangal was never seen again after his arrest, his nine sons were released later, after a tribal leader asked the government to release them.

Military career He completed his military studies up to the Arkan-e-Harb, the highest level. In 1962, he was promoted to Brigadier General and led military units in Qala Jangi and Rishkhoro, Kabul. In 1966, he was promoted to Major General and appointed as Commander of the Military Operations Department at the Ministry of National Defense. He retired in 1973.

Education and military training Mangal showed a strong passion for education from a young age. A family elder sent him to Kabul to pursue his studies. He eventually enrolled in the military university course known as "Course A" which he successfully completed.