Local sources in Ghazni have reported a distressing incident – the destruction of the “Barat Statue” by the Taliban in the Jaghori district of the province.
Hasht-e Subh has obtained images confirming the demolition of the Barat statue on Wednesday night, October 4th. The Taliban razed this monument situated in the “Barat Bridge” square in the Sang-e-Masha area, the heart of Jaghori district.
Barat, a revered cultural icon and elder of the Jaghori district, resided here nearly a century ago. His legacy was marked by significant contributions to charity, road and bridge construction, and the establishment of schools. His altruistic endeavors earned him immense respect and popularity among the district’s inhabitants.
According to the residents of Jaghori district, Barat constructed the stone bridge in the Kata-Sang area, uniting two parts of the district and easing the movement of people. This bridge, a testament to his benevolence, was later named after him.
Around two decades ago, locals erected a statue in Barat’s honor to preserve his memory and commemorate his legacy. This monument, an embodiment of community admiration, stood as a testament to the district’s rich heritage.
Regrettably, this incident is not an isolated one. The Taliban has previously targeted historical artifacts in various provinces. Last year, the group demolished the Abdul Ali Mazari statue in Bamiyan, replacing it with a stone Quran plaque.