‘Taliban siphoning off millions from Baghlan – Kunduz highway’
PUL-E-KHUMRI (SW) – The Taliban insurgents are siphoning off an estimated AFN 8 million from the main Baghlan – Kunduz highway on daily basis.
Security sources in Baghlan told Salam Watandar that the insurgents are taking bribes from private transport and goods carrying vehicles on this key highway on daily basis to back their insurgency financially. According to the sources, the Taliban have erected self-styled check posts in the Jangal Bagh, Jar Khushk, Tank Haji Majeed and other areas where every goods carrying vehicle is forced to pay at least AFN 3000 each.
Khanzada Mazloomyar, governor of the Baghlan Markazi, has confirmed the reports of Taliban taking shadow toll tax from commuters on this key route. He said this toll sometimes even amounts to as much as AFN 30,000 per vehicle. Mazloomyar said the insurgents use these funds to buy arms and ammunition. He warned if swift actions are not taken, the insurgents’ clout on the Baghlan – Kunduz highway would grow further.
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