Afghan politicians called for an investigation into the alleged reports of torture and mistreatment of civilians in the provinces of Panjshir, Baghlan and Takhar. The influential politicians who voiced concerns over the claims of civilian mistreatment are former chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation,
Abdullah Abdullah, former Jihadi leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, Karim Khalili the former Vice President of Afghanistan and the leader of Hezb-e-Wahdat,
Abdul Rasheed Dostum, leader of Hizb-e-Junbish and Muhammad Mohaqiq, People’s Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan. However, the Islamic Emirate denied the allegations of civilian casualties in these provinces.
“The recent reports from Afghanistan speak of painful incidents in Panjshir, Takhar, and Andarab (of Baghlan) and Khost, that the military has conducted desert trials and tortured civilians. We call on the international community and the human rights organizations to launch a neutral investigation into these incidents and share the results with the people of Afghanistan,” Abdullah said in a series of tweets.
Analysts said that the issue should be taken seriously.
“The government should not ignore it and should prevent it. It is important that (acting Minister of Foreign Affairs) Amir Khan Muttaqi and Mohammad Alam Izdyar restart the negotiations,” said Torek Farhadi, a political analyst. Meanwhile, a number of US based Afghans held protests in reaction to the alleged reports of civilian’s casualties in Panjshir, Baghlan and Takhar provinces.
“The Islamic Emirate conducted clearing operations against the people who were causing insecurity. Hundreds of them have surrendered and theirweapons and ammunitions were seized by the Islamic Emirate. The civilians have a normal life. We seriously deny the reports and propaganda being spread in this regard,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.
The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett said it was “essential for international human rights and humanitarian law to be upheld”—Tolo news
