RASC News Agency: Local sources in Panjshir report that the Taliban have issued a stringent warning to shopkeepers in the province’s capital and districts, stating that failure to display the Taliban flag atop their establishments will result in the immediate closure of their businesses. According to these sources, the Taliban’s security command in Panjshir, on the eve of the third anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, informed shopkeepers that it is obligatory to raise the Taliban flag on their shops.
The Taliban command has unequivocally stated that every shopkeeper must comply, and any refusal will result in the closure of their shop. The Taliban also warned the public, demanding their presence at the ceremonies organized to commemorate this occasion. Previously, the Taliban had similarly enforced the display of their flag on shops and marketplaces in various other provinces across the country. Today marks the third anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. The group has declared a public holiday and is orchestrating celebrations in Kabul and other provinces.
Taliban officials in certain provinces have mandated that government employees and teachers from both public and private schools attend these ceremonies. However, the general public shows little enthusiasm for participating in these events, viewing this day as one of the darkest in the nation’s history. The people of Panjshir, in particular, harbor deep-seated resentment towards the Taliban, whom they perceive as adversaries.
Despite this, the Taliban have issued threats, compelling the population to attend these ceremonies. Notably, last year the Taliban similarly forced the public to participate in their victory celebrations, which led to widespread resistance. Those who refused were subsequently harassed and accused of insubordination.
