Clashes in Badakhshan; Five Protesters Killed in Tensions Over Poppy Cultivation

In Badakhshan province, as tensions continue between protesting farmers and Taliban forces, local sources from Argo district report that at least five people have died following clashes and shooting in the Atan Jallo area.

According to these sources, who provided this information to the media on Saturday, May 19, the bodies of four of the victims were transferred to Faizabad city by Taliban forces after the incident.

At the same time, reports indicate that a number of residents of Argo district have gathered in large numbers in response to the incident, and as a result, communication routes, including the Faizabad-Takhar highway, have also been blocked.

These protests were formed following increasing dissatisfaction with the Taliban’s actions in destroying poppy fields, and according to local sources, the atmosphere in the region remains tense.

Taliban officials have not yet officially commented on the incident and the allegations.

Meanwhile, local residents say that such tensions have occurred before during the destruction of poppy fields, and in similar cases dozens of people have been killed and injured.

Farmers and residents of the area describe these actions as “violent” and emphasize that without providing alternative livelihoods, the pressure on the fields will make the economic situation of their families more difficult.

Kabul Times News
Report: Banu Noori