Reports emerging from Balkh and Bamiyan provinces reveal that despite the populace’s eagerness to celebrate Nowruz in these regions, stringent measures enforced by the Taliban have cast a pall over the festive spirit marking the New Year in these locales.
According to sources in Bamiyan and Balkh provinces, speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Wednesday, March 20th, the Taliban have intensified their presence in Bamyan city, instituting rigorous inspections of both vehicles and individuals, effectively curtailing free movement.
Saifuddin, a resident of Bamiyan, expressed discontent with the prevailing situation, asserting, “The Taliban’s agenda seems aimed at confining people to their homes under the guise of preventing Nowruz celebrations. This overt hostility towards the celebration of Nowruz and the longstanding cultural traditions of our land is unmistakable.”
Mohammad Hadi, another Bamiyan resident, who had planned to visit friends with his family, recounted a disconcerting encounter with the Taliban on Nowruz day, describing their conduct as “abhorrent.” He lamented, “Armed Taliban personnel exhibit hostile behavior towards civilians at checkpoints. The atmosphere is unsettling; women and children are gripped by fear. We endured prolonged delays at checkpoints, with no assurances of safe passage even to return home.”
Similarly, the Nowruz festivities in Balkh are subdued this year, with a noticeable shift towards private celebrations within homes, a departure from the customary public revelry of years past.
In Mazar-i-Sharif city, residents informed 8 Sobh newspaper today that the Taliban have barricaded the route leading to “Hazrat Ali’s Shrine,” impeding vehicular movement. Moreover, there has been a surge in the presence of Taliban forces within the city limits since the previous night.
Najibullah, another resident of Mazar-i-Sharif, lamented the absence of pilgrims and Nowruz celebrants compared to previous years, attributing this decline to the stringent measures imposed. He highlighted the adverse economic repercussions, citing a significant loss in revenue that the city traditionally garnered during the Nowruz festivities.
This marks the third consecutive year in which the Taliban have proscribed Nowruz celebrations, imposing restrictions on those wishing to partake in the festivities.
