What does the cryptic crossword clue "Writing in Afghan province curtailed by the one in charge (8)" mean?

The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). MS (synonym="manuscript, ‘writing’") in HELMAN (synonym="HELMAN") = HELMSMAN The answer is HELMSMAN.

Writing in Afghan province curtailed by the one in charge (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29514 | 9 Across | 2024-10-15 flower

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