The Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan has created a humanitarian crisis. Taliban is known for strictly following Sharia law, thus making them one of the most orthodox organisations of the world. The Afghan military forces gave up when they were expected to at least put up a fight against the Taliban. Nevertheless, the Afghanistan government has failed the Afghan citizens. Now, the Taliban has announced an ‘Amnesty’ across the country.
Some videos are being circulated on social media platforms in which Taliban soldiers are having fun in the amusement parks. Armed Taliban soldiers are enjoying bumper cars, they are even seen in the merry-go-round rides. In a separate video, Taliban soldiers are trying out various equipment in the presidential palace’s gym. All of this is happening when every civilian in Afghanistan is afraid of what their rule has in store for them. More importantly, women and other minority social and religious groups are the most vulnerable.
What is the Taliban’s ‘Amnesty’ Idea?
Earlier the Taliban ruled from 1996 to 2001 in Afghanistan. According to the witnesses, their conservatism imposed restrictions on womenfolk. It was only in 2001 that the superpower USA took action against them, in response to the brutal 9/11 attack. However, the Taliban is arguably the new administrative body in Afghanistan for the time being. They are portraying themselves as someone who is eager to adopt a liberal approach.
The promise of amnesty comes from Enamullah Samangani. He is a member of the Taliban’s cultural commission. He says, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan with full dignity and honesty has announced a complete amnesty for all Afghanistan, especially those who were with the opposition or supported the occupiers for years and recently.” He further says, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is ready to provide women with environment to work and study, and the presence of women in different (government) structures according to Islamic law and in accordance with our cultural values.”
Samangani’s statement isn’t clear about women. He adds condition of behaving under the Islamic law. What does it imply will be clear in the upcoming days.
We can only hope for equality and freedom for Afghan people.