The first pushback against the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan looked as if it would draw a violent response from the country’s new rulers today. a minimum of three people were killed and quite a dozen injured because the Taliban opened fire on a protest where the flag was unfurled, reported news organization Reuters quoting eyewitnesses.The firing comes as unprecedented talks started in Kabul between the Taliban and former president Hamid Karzai and other leaders amid speculation of a “unity government”.
At the protest today in Jalalabad — the last city that fell to Taliban before Kabul — people had taken down the Taliban flag and unfurled the red, green and black emblem, reports said.
Videos tweeted local press agency Pajhwok Afghan News showed people carrying the ensign crossing a street. Suddenly shots ring out, followed by staccato machine gun fire. The procession stops and other people start raising slogans.
“Taliban firing on protesters in Jalalabad city and beaten some video journalists,” read the caption of 1 of the videos.
This was the primary pushback against the Taliban since it marched into Kabul on Sunday, setting off an attempted exodus by thousands, especially women, children and folks who helped the western troops during the 20-year occupation by the US.
Though the Taliban has tried to project a softer image this point, announcing a general amnesty and calling women to hitch their add the govt., the memories of public flogging, execution and stoning for adultery during their rule between 1996 and 2001 continues to be strong.
