SAR-I-PUL (SW) – Statistics gathered from Sar-i-Pul province suggest the Taliban have trafficked at least 150 children to Pakistan from here for studies and training at the ‘madrasas’ religious schools.
Information gathered by Salam Watandar suggest some of these children have already returned to Sar-i-Pul, Jawzjan and Faryab provinces from Pakistan. The information suggest these minors have been trained by retired officers of the Pakistani military for suicide attacks, blasts, IED attacks besides the teachings of extremism.
Abdul Qader Ashna, the provincial governor, said the Taliban do not hesitate from committing any atrocities here including using children for suicide attacks.
When contacted, Syed Assadullah Danish, deputy chairman for the provincial council, said certain religious seminaries within the province in the Taliban-controlled area as well as in the government-controlled areas are also busy in promoting terrorism and extremism. He said the government has no control over these seminaries where teachers trained in Pakistan are promoting hatred and extremism.
The local residents are equally concerned about the alarming state of affairs here.
We wished to have the views of the Ministry of Haj and Religious Affairs, but to no avail.
However, the Taliban spokesman, Qari Yosuf Ahmadi, rejected reports about sending children to Pakistan for such training.
ENDS
