KUNDUZ CITY (SW) – On top of extorting money from power supply and Zakat (religious tax), the Taliban have now begun extortion from development projects in Kunduz province.
Amaruddin Wali, member of the provincial council, said due to the lack of capacity and resources at the provincial administration, the Taliban are now collecting extortion money from development projects here. He said the rebels are strengthening their forces with this money.
Mohammad Naeem Jalali, an employee of a construction firm working on a road development project in Kunduz, told Salam Watandar the development work was postponed following the abduction of a number of workers. He expressed fears if the situation persisted, there would be no option, but to stop working in Kunduz.
Meanwhile, Esmatullah Murdi, spokesman for the governor, has asserted that the local administration would deal strictly with any group creating hurdles in the execution of development projects.
ENDS
