RASC News Agency: The Taliban in Badghis have issued a stern warning, stating that anyone disrupting the pistachio forests in this province will face severe punishment. On Wednesday, July 17, the Taliban in Badghis released a statement cautioning residents that any disturbance or rebellion in the pistachio forests will result in torture.
The Taliban declared that any form of insubordination would be considered disruptive, and perpetrators would be arrested or tortured. In the statement, which has been shared with the media, residents are explicitly instructed not to roam inside the pistachio forests. The statement particularly warns residents of the village of Kukcha’il and neighboring areas that no one is allowed to house outsiders with the intention of picking pistachios.
The Taliban have emphasized that the timing for harvesting pistachios will be announced by them. Previously, the Taliban had arrested at least 30 people in Herat for picking pistachios, stating that no one should act without their permission. This order was labeled as “bullying” by local residents. It is noteworthy that the Taliban in Takhar province harvested the pistachio crops before the designated time.
Residents have consistently complained about the Taliban’s forceful tactics, accusing them of seizing pistachios and other produce. They claim that the Taliban not only forbid people from picking pistachios but also prevent them from approaching the forests.
