TALEQAN (SW): Taliban have captured Darqad district in Takhar for one and a half months now. The man who rules the area claimed affiliation to the Islamic Emirate and issued a Fatwa saying that he would implement Sharia law in the district.
Gen. Noor Mohammad Hakimi, Police Chief in Takhar, told SalamWatandar that human and gun smugglers have been active in this border district and have made a lot of money from their illegal activities.
A week ago, security forces took control of some parts in Darqad following an operation but after a while the operation ceased.
Taliban have been fighting to capture the district for 2 years now.
He said that the Taliban only captured the district with the help of smugglers. The district currently has changed into safe haven for terrorist from Middle Asia and IED’s makers.
Gen. Hakimi said that a weak rule of law and lack of good governance have given space for the residents to earn their income illicitly.
Taliban have said that they aim to set up their centers here and establish IED’s center in a bit to invite dissatisfied fugitives from Middle Asia to join them.
Yasin Zia, Governor of Takhar, said that lack of enough facilities have made it difficult for security operation to be carried out in the area.
Taliban collect money from farmers and land owners under the name of Zakat (religious tax in Islam) and this way they add to their treasury and can purchase weapons and equipment.
The residents complained about both Taliban and security forces and said that they suppress people and trample their rights.
Darqad, which resembles an island, has nearly 50000 populations and is considered as one of the most remote districts in Takhar.
The district is land-locked and shares a long border with Tajekistan.
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