RASC News Agency: Following the destruction of the statue of Abdul Ali Mazari, the former leader of the Islamic Unity Party, reports indicate that the Taliban plans to demolish his memorial. Local sources have reported that the Taliban has commenced construction work around the Mazari roundabout.
According to these reports, the Taliban plans to extend the reconstruction work on the road between Pul-e-Sorkh and Pul-e-Sokhta up to the Mazari roundabout, completely removing the memorial. This action follows the Taliban’s destruction of the Mazari statue, which they defaced with paint. Last Saturday night, after destroying the statue, the Taliban did not provide any explanation for their actions.
Subsequently, the Taliban prohibited photography and filming of the damaged statue and the memorial site. The destruction of the Mazari statue prompted reactions from several political leaders and numerous social media users, who condemned the act as “hostile.” Mohammad Mohaqiq, the leader of the Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan, described the Taliban’s action as a “provocative and combative gesture” aimed at inciting “early armed conflict.”
He stated that the Taliban’s actions are an invitation for Hazaras and Shiites in Afghanistan to engage in armed resistance. Sarwar Danish, the former Vice President, also condemned the Taliban’s actions as hostile, childish, and indicative of their fear of Afghanistan’s intellectual and historical symbols. Mr. Danish emphasized that the current intellectual and cultural struggle is far more significant and decisive than political battles and disputes over power and wealth.
He explained that this intellectual and cultural struggle is ongoing between the lines of justice and freedom and those of tyranny and monopolization. Many political leaders have remained silent on this matter and have not commented yet. Following the destruction of the Mazari statue, numerous social media users reacted to the Taliban’s actions. While Taliban supporters endorsed the act, opponents condemned it.
Meanwhile, in Hazara-dominated areas of Herat, the Taliban removed and tore down Ashura flags. The group informed residents in some neighborhoods that they were not allowed to display such flags on rooftops and streets. It is noteworthy that the Taliban also defaced the image of Amanullah Khan in Torkham, eastern Afghanistan, which sparked widespread reactions.
