RASC News Agency: Dozens of residents of Chah Ab district in Takhar province have staged mass protests against what they describe as the “systematic looting and exploitation of gold mines.” As their demands for justice remain unaddressed, they have warned of intensifying their demonstrations. According to the protesters, homes, medical clinics, grazing lands, and farmlands have suffered extensive damage due to mining operations conducted by various companies. However, they have refrained from naming these entities or specifying the exact circumstances of the destruction. Reports indicate that these protests have been ongoing since Sunday, February 9.
Local sources suggest that these companies are engaged in gold extraction operations in the region. One source informed the media:
“In recent days, dozens of excavators have been transported into the district. While some have proceeded to mining sites, others have been halted in the district center due to mounting public opposition. The illicit exploitation of Afghanistan’s mineral wealth, particularly in the northern provinces, has surged to unprecedented levels in recent months.”
Protesters emphasize that they have repeatedly urged the Taliban’s local administration in Takhar to intervene, yet their pleas have been met with indifference. Meanwhile, additional reports indicate that dozens of external companies have moved into the Shahr-e Bozorg district of Badakhshan, initiating large-scale, unauthorized mining operations. The residents of Chah Ab district have vowed to continue their protests until concrete action is taken. So far, the Taliban authorities have remained silent on the issue, fueling further public outrage.
