Taliban insurgents destroy Buddhist temple in Baghlan

PUL-E-KHOMRI (SW): Taliban insurgents have smashed ancient Buddhist temple in Surkh Kotal area in Pul-e-Khomri. The Buddhist temples situated in Surkh Kotal date back to Koshanid era.

The temple resembles  a room, which has been decorated with four domes in the corners. The four walls surrounding the temple have been covered with ‌ Budda’s statues and ancient dishware.

Karim Rahimi, the director for ancient monuments preservation at Cultural Department in the province, confirmed the incident.

 Mr. Rahimi said that the local officials have not done enough to protect Buddhist temples in Baghaln.

A police Unit was responsible to ensure the security of the Buddhist temples was besieged by the militants for nearly 7 days and when supporting forces didn’t arrive, the militants captured the temple.

Mr. Rahimi added that Surkh Kotal is home to a number of historical monuments and if Afghan government didn’t take serious measures about it, the Taliban would destroy all the relics and monuments. He further that the Taliban captured other sites which possess many monuments but there is no information whether they have also destroyed those artifacts or not.

Meanwhile Abdul Rashid Bashir, the acting police chief in the province, said that operations have been carried out to recapture Surkh Kotal area. He added that during the last 24 hours, Baghlan police have killed 15 and wounded 16 more insurgents.

ENDS