Over the past three years, the Taliban have consistently claimed to have achieved nationwide security and eliminated criminal gangs and networks, often emphasizing these assertions to the global community and the people of Afghanistan. However, these claims occur amidst a significant rise in insecurity and armed robberies in Takhar province, causing serious concerns among its residents.
Many residents of Takhar accuse the Taliban of failing to reduce armed robberies and ensure safety. They note that even after more than three years, a considerable number of the group’s members, particularly those referred to as Taliban police, do not wear military uniforms. This lack of uniformity complicates the distinction between their fighters and actual criminals.
Residents report instances where armed thieves dress like Taliban members while committing robberies and kidnappings. They cite an incident that occurred just 200 meters from the Intelligence Agency building, the Taliban governor’s office, the police command, and near the second security precinct in Taloqan, the provincial capital. According to them, kidnappers shot and killed an 18-year-old boy in broad daylight and abducted his 10-year-old brother, instilling fear in the community.
Najibullah, a resident of the fourth district of Taloqan City, recounts that about a month ago, four unidentified armed individuals disguised as Taliban members shot and killed his 18-year-old son while he was returning home from school around 12:30 PM. They also abducted his 10-year-old son. In an interview with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, he stated, “The armed kidnappers initially threatened my family and me with death. They demanded that I pay them $200,000. When I refused, a few days later, they killed one of my sons in broad daylight and abducted the other. There is no security. If there were security, how could armed individuals dare to kill and abduct in broad daylight, just steps away from a security precinct, in front of people?” He added that more than a month has passed without any information regarding his abducted son, and the Taliban have failed to apprehend the perpetrators or rescue his child.
Another resident of the first district of Taloqan City, Maqsoud, discussed the rising armed robberies in the province with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, saying, “It was evening; I closed my shop and was heading home. On the way, two individuals on a motorcycle approached, struck me on the head with the butt of a weapon, and threatened me with death. They stole my phone and money and fled.” He further noted that the Taliban have not responded to any attempts to identify or apprehend the armed robbers, stating he has been unable to contact them for two weeks.
This resident expressed, “Out of fear, I cannot ask the Taliban who these individuals were or why they did this to me. Given that they do not address people’s problems, I suspect the Taliban themselves are complicit with the thieves. If these actions are the work of thieves, why are they not being arrested?”
Jawed, a resident of Baharak district in Takhar Province, shared a similar account of an armed robbery. He stated that at the end of September, armed thieves stole his car and two mobile phones while he was traveling between Taloqan and the districts beyond the Kokcha River. He recounted, “The robbers told me they were from the Baharak police command and that they needed to search me and my car. When I stepped out of the vehicle, they struck me with the butt of an AK-47 and knocked me unconscious. When I woke up, neither my car nor my belongings were there.”
Additionally, several civil activists in Takhar are calling for improved security. Sayed Ahmad Atef, a civil activist, remarked in an interview with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, “Unfortunately, armed robberies, mysterious killings, and kidnappings have increased in Takhar. What people expected most was security and psychological peace; however, despite the promises made by local Taliban officials, it has not been achieved, further heightening public concerns.”
This civil activist urged the Taliban’s police command, responsible for the security of citizens in Takhar, to address the people’s issues and curb the rise of armed robberies.
In response, Taliban security officials at the Takhar police command have denied residents’ allegations regarding their members’ involvement in armed robberies, mysterious killings, and kidnappings. They stated that they are always striving to identify the perpetrators of criminal acts and have apprehended many individuals, with cases handed over to judicial authorities.
Abdul Mobin Safi, the spokesperson for the Taliban police command in Takhar, stated, “In the past two months, we have arrested over 56 individuals on charges of armed robbery and other criminal offenses. Anyone who commits theft and disrupts the security of the people will, God willing, be dealt with seriously. We assure the people of Takhar that they should continue to live their lives peacefully and without worry.” He also urged the residents to cooperate with local officials and Taliban security forces in exposing thieves and kidnappers.
Jan Muhammad Hamza, known as Mullah Jano, the Pashtun commander of the Taliban for Takhar province, is reportedly close to Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister, and is said to be a trusted individual of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the group’s Supreme Leader. He is a resident of the Ishkamish district in Takhar. According to the residents, he has failed to ensure security in Takhar.
Some residents state that since he was appointed police chief of Takhar by the Taliban, he has been unable to prevent insecurity, armed robberies, and kidnappings, making life for the residents more difficult than ever.
As armed robberies increase across Takhar, poverty and unemployment are also rising. Experts suggest that one of the most effective ways to reduce criminal offenses is to create job opportunities for the people; however, the Taliban have made no efforts in this regard since taking control three years ago.
You can read the Persian version of this daily report here:
افزایش ناامنی و سرقتهای مسلحانه زیر سلطه طالبان؛ باشندهگان تخار به ستوه آمدهاند | روزنامه ۸صبح
