Amanuddin Mansoor, the Taliban governor of Helmand, threatened a harsh response against protesters and opponents of the group during a visit to Badakhshan province. He said that individuals who disobey the orders of Hibatullah Akhundzada and engage in “rebellion” would face a “decisive response.”
On Wednesday, 20 Jowza, Mansoor stated at a graduation ceremony for students of a religious school in the Wurduj district of Badakhshan that if the Taliban government faces any threat and opponents act against it, the group’s forces are prepared, as in the past, to continue fighting and, if necessary, return to the battlefield.
The Taliban official also accused political opponents based outside Afghanistan of sowing division and urged the public to support the Taliban government against its adversaries.
His remarks come amid reports of growing concern among Taliban leaders over internal discontent in Badakhshan. Some observers believe his visit to the province was also intended to manage the situation and boost the morale of Taliban forces.
In recent years, Badakhshan has repeatedly witnessed tensions and clashes between local residents and Taliban forces. These disputes have largely revolved around the destruction of poppy fields and the methods of gold mining extraction. Some residents have accused the Taliban of discriminatory treatment and say that large-scale gold mining has caused environmental damage in the region.
At the same time, reports have emerged of disagreements between local Taliban members and officials dispatched from the central leadership over the management and control of Badakhshan’s mines. According to local sources, these disputes have in recent months contributed to increasing dissatisfaction among some members of the Taliban as well.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
