TALOQAN (SW): Local authorities in Takhar province reported that the Taliban insurgents extort money from people in areas under their control.
Mohammad Omar, the police chief of Darqad district, talking to Salam Watandar stated that the Taliban have requested 50 afgahnis from small mosques and 100 afghanis from grand mosques.
According to him, the Taliban have warned to either pay the money or join the group.
“Recently at least 15 people led by Atiqullah joined the Taliban group along with their weapons”, informed Omar.
A resident of Darqad district who wished to remain anonymous said that the Taliban want 20 to 100 thousand afghanis from them.
The local resident informed that unable to meet the Taliban’s demand; some people fled the area.
Khalil Asir, the provincial police chief, confirming the issue said the Taliban have demanded 1 million afghanis from each mosque.
Sanatullah Timor, the provincial governor’s spokesman, also confirmed the extortion and tax imposition of the Taliban in areas under their control.
Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, justified the Taliban’s action as the collection of alms with the consent of the people.
Darqad district has 56 villages out of which 52 villages are under the Taliban control.
ENDS
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