TALEQAN(SW):Taliban have recruited children from different areas of the northern provinces, local officials claimed on Wednesday. They said the militants have started recruiting children under the age of 18 in Khawaja Ghar, Eshkamish and Darqad districts to use them in clashes against the government forces.
Mullah Mohammad Omar, district chief in Khwaja Ghar, told Salam Wtandar that the children who fight for the Taliban have been brainwashed in religious schools. It is said that these child soldiers are used to conduct suicide attacks. Omar said these child soldiers have been lured by their commanders that they would have much better life after death in heaven.
Noor Mohammad Hakimi, Takhar Police Chief, confirmed the existence of child soldiers among the ranks of the rebels. He said that the Taliban have recruited these children from Kunduz and Takhar provinces.
Sanatullah Timor, spokesman for Takhar governor, also confirmed the presence of child soldiers in the ranks of the Taliban. He however said that the government does not have details about Taliban’s activities in the religious madrasas in Takhar in the past.
Seddiq Seddiqi, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, acknowledge the presence of child soldiers among the ranks of the Taliban. He said the militants have recruited children from Kunar, Nangarhar and Kunduz provinces and have send them to Pakistan to trainings.
Salam Watandar asked religious scholars in Takhar to comment on the subject but they evaded. According to the United Nation’s Child Rights Convention, people under the age of 18 are considered as children and abusing them is against the fundamental human rights.
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