TALUQAN (SW): The Taliban rebels have closed down up to 23 schools in Takhar province, officials confirmed.
Sami Abadyaar, head of the directorate of education, informed the Taliban closed down these schools in retaliation to the arrest of their shadow director for education, Mohammad Muzamail. The official stated three schools are shut in Yangi Qala, 4 schools in Khwaja Bahauddin, 15 schools in Darqad and one schools has been shut in Khwaja Gaar district.
Abadyaar further said the Taliban have also warned officials in Namak Aab district to close down schools.
Mawlawi Saifullah, governor of Darqad district, informed Salam Watandar the rebels have also threatened officials involved with the voter registration and identity card distribution drive.
A while ago, Sunat Temor, spokesman for the provincial governor, had confirmed seven schools are closed in Yangi Qala district.
In a separate incident, an Independent Election Commission (IEC) employee has been abducted by the Taliban from the Darqad district. Confirming the incident, Ruhullah Mosawai, provincial head of the IEC, said the electoral commission employee was abducted this morning from the Mosazay village.
In a similar incident, an employee of the identity card issuing authority has also been abducted from the same district.
ENDS
