▲ Mullah Haibatula Akundjada, the supreme leader of the Taliban militant group that has regained control of Afghanistan, delivered a speech in front of supporters in Kandahar, the holy city of the south, on the 31st, AFP news agency reported. The Taliban banned taking photos and videos, and released a 10-minute audio file. It is the first time he has appeared in public since the completion of the withdrawal of US troops at the end of August and the retake of the Taliban. This photo is an unknown dated photo that was publicly distributed to the Western media on May 25, 2016.
AFP file photo Yonhap News
AFP and local media reported on the 30th (local time) that at least three guests were killed in a shooting at a joint wedding in Afghanistan, saying that music should not be played.
The tragedy occurred the night before in the village of Margundi, Shamspur, in the eastern Nangarhar state. A witness who attended the ceremony said, “Young people were playing in a room where only women were gathered, and three Taliban fighters came in and shot them.”
Afghan Ariana News also reported that a fight broke out between a Taliban member and a wedding guest, and that the Taliban had opened fire at people. The death toll and injuries were 2 and 10, respectively.
However, the Taliban authorities have drawn the line that they have no official relationship with the matter. Taliban spokeswoman Zabihullah Mujahid said, “Three people who identified themselves as Taliban entered the wedding hall and tried to stop playing music.” explained
He further emphasized that those who use the name of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the national name of the Taliban government) in personal disputes will be punished according to Sharia (Islamic law). He did not say, however, whether the shooter was a Taliban member. Two of the three gunmen were arrested by Taliban authorities and one fled.
During the first rule (1996-2001), when the Taliban strictly controlled society with Sharia at the fore, entertainment, TV and even music were banned. After he succeeded in re-election in August, he showed a more conciliatory attitude than in the past, such as respecting human rights, but he has not yet published a specific edict on music. Taking advantage of this opportunity, some Taliban members are known to suppress their own music activities.
Last month, in the capital Kabul, Taliban fighters suddenly stormed into a karaoke bar, smashed an accordion, demolished a sign, and ordered customers to return immediately.
However, the BBC pointed out that the more radical Islamic State (IS) fighters competing with the Taliban may have committed such horrific acts under the guise of the Taliban.
Byeong-seon Lim, Executive Director, Peace Research Institute bsnim@seoul.co.kr
