RASC News Agency: Local sources from Badghis province report that Mullah Noor Agha Haidari, the Taliban’s security chief in the area, has expropriated a significant portion of the province’s pistachio forests for his own use. On Saturday, July 27, sources disclosed that this Taliban official had claimed ownership of sections of the pistachio forests in the Ab Kamari district and had barred local residents from harvesting the nuts.
He proclaimed that no one is permitted to collect the pistachios, asserting that they belong solely to the Taliban. Mullah Noor Agha asserted that the pistachios are the rightful spoils of the group’s jihad against the United States. He stated, “We fought in jihad for years, and now we must enjoy the fruits of our labor. Therefore, these pistachios are ours.” He has warned locals not to approach the forests or harvest any of the trees.
This situation arises amid reports that this year, the Taliban in Badghis have arrested and beaten residents accused of breaking the “Shool Pistachio” tradition, which involves community gatherings for collective pistachio harvesting. Many were detained and coerced into pledging not to enter the forests or harvest the pistachios. The early disruption of the Shool Pistachio tradition has reportedly led to a decrease in the market value of the product.
Before the Taliban’s takeover, locals freely harvested pistachios at their discretion. However, since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan, there have been numerous instances where they have prevented people from harvesting and even imprisoned them. The Taliban arbitrarily impose their authority, showing no regard for the people’s desires and imposing their will through force. Their treatment of the populace is marked by harshness and oppression.
