RASC News Agency reports: The Afghanistan Federalists Association, in response to public protests against the Taliban in Badakhshan province, stated that the demonstrations are “a clear and prominent example of the height of public dissatisfaction with the authoritarian and ethnically driven Taliban regime.”
According to a statement released on Sunday, May 5, by the association, Badakhshan residents, facing “extreme poverty, destitution, and homelessness,” took the risk of protesting “against the most ruthless group,” even at the cost of their lives. The statement attributes the protests in Badakhshan against the Taliban regime to “oppression, injustice, authoritarianism, expansionism, ethnic hegemony, violations of personal privacy, and attacks on the dignity and honor of the people.”
The Afghanistan Federalists Association emphasized: “Until a federal system is established, enabling local populations to manage their own affairs, and until decision-making authority, power, and wealth are equitably distributed, the realization of rights, justice, and freedom will remain elusive.” Over the past two days, residents of Darym, Argu, and Jurm districts in Badakhshan have protested against the Taliban following the killing of a local resident by the group.
Protesters have said that they continue their demonstrations due to “oppression and violations of their privacy” by Pashtun Taliban members. In response to the protesters’ demands, the Taliban fired on the crowd, resulting in at least two deaths and over 15 injuries.