RASC News Agency: Reports from Herat, in western Afghanistan, reveal that Taliban officials in the province are selling graves in popular shrines to the public. A local source in Herat, who wished to remain anonymous, told RASC News Agency on Tuesday, May 21, that the Taliban are selling graves at several major shrines in Herat city.
The source explained that the prices of graves vary, much like current real estate prices for houses. Graves closer to the shrine locations are more expensive than those further away in the cemeteries. According to the source, the price of graves ranges from 1,000 kabuli rupees to 20,000-30,000 kabuli rupees.
Some residents of Herat have also confirmed to RASC that the practice of buying and selling graves, particularly in prime city locations, has been ongoing for some time. Haroon, a resident of Herat, told RASC News Agency, “Buying a grave is much like buying land or a house; one must carefully choose the location to find a suitable and desirable grave.”
He added that wealthy families select better locations, while those with limited financial resources are compelled to bury their deceased in less desirable areas. According to him, the Taliban’s involvement in the buying and selling of grave plots has become a significant issue for the residents of Herat.
Tamim Sabiti, a civil activist in western Afghanistan, confirmed that the Taliban have turned the sale of graves into a business. He stated that the trading of grave plots at shrines has imposed severe economic burdens on the people.
Sabiti warned that if the Taliban do not reconsider their policy on the sale of grave plots in Herat and other western provinces, public anger towards them will increase. Efforts to interview Taliban officials regarding the sale of graves in Herat were unsuccessful as they refused to comment.
