The death toll from the shooting of protesters in Yiftal-e Payin District of Badakhshan Province has risen to four. Eight others, including a woman, have also been injured in the incident.
The protests began following allegations that Taliban officials had conducted a body search of a woman. During the clashes, one Taliban member was killed and another member of the group was injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the bodies of the four people killed and the eight injured individuals were transferred to Badakhshan Provincial Hospital in Faizabad on Saturday evening. On Sunday, 11 Asad, the bodies were taken back to Yiftal-e Payin District for burial.
The protests began on Saturday afternoon, 10 Asad, after some local residents alleged that Taliban forces at the Sangab checkpoint in the area had subjected a woman to a body search. The incident sparked public anger and led to the formation of a protest gathering.
According to local reports, Taliban forces opened fire on protesters in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Local residents also say that dissatisfaction with the conduct of Taliban forces toward civilians was one of the main factors behind the protests.
Videos shared from the scene show the sound of gunfire, with several civilians seen carrying and transporting the injured.
Meanwhile, the Taliban police spokesperson in Badakhshan has provided a different account of how the incident began. According to him, Taliban forces became suspicious of a man and a woman traveling on a motorcycle, allegedly on suspicion of transporting narcotics, and intended to search their belongings.
He claimed that the man fled the scene and later alleged that the woman accompanying him had been subjected to a body search. According to the spokesperson, a number of local residents then attacked the security checkpoint, during which several people were injured.
The Taliban police spokesperson did not provide details regarding the alleged shooting by Taliban forces or the exact number of casualties. He also accused certain individuals of attempting to fuel the incident.
The incident has drawn several reactions. Salahuddin Salar, a Taliban commander, confirmed the killing of civilians in the incident and described it as tragic.
The Jamiat-e Islami Afghanistan party, led by Salahuddin Rabbani, has also condemned the suppression of protesters, accusing the Taliban of violating citizens’ rights, disrespecting local culture and traditions, and using violence.
The National Resistance Front’s military wing, known as the “Sipayian-e Mihan Front,” has likewise condemned the shooting of protesters, describing the action as inhumane.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
