KABUL (Pajhwok): The martyr’s week that begins with the martyrdom anniversary of warlord Ahmad Shah Massoud could not be celebrated this time due to the regime change in the country.
Massoud was killed at the age of 48 in the KhawajaBahauddin district of northern Takhar province on September 9 in 2001 in a suicide attack by two Arabs who posed as journalists.
The previous government annually observed Massoud’s and other martyrs week but this time due to regime change the week could not be marked in the country.
Taliban stopped us from observing the week
The Taliban on Wednesday and Thursday tightened security and made special arrangements in Kabul City to ensure stability and security.
Sharif Rahimi, a resident of Khairkhana locality, said: “You can see the Taliban have brought down the flag and launched search in every street and stopped people from commemorating the martyrdom week.”
“Even individuals who carried special scarfs are barred and their scarfs were collected from them.”
Masouda, the resident of Kart-e-Parwan locality, said: “Our children tried to visit the tomb of Massoud and lay a wreath of flower at the Massoud Square, but due to strict security I did not allow my children to go.”
No curb within the framework
Taliban senior member MawlaviKaramatullahUmar, said the purpose of strict security arrangements was to ensure security for the people of Kabul.
“We trying to ensure peace and security for our people,” he said.
Referring to the permission to Massoud’s followers to commemorate his martyrdom, he said within the framework there were no curbs but people trying to bother others and create disturbance will not be allowed.
Some leaders issued commemorative messages.
Dr. Abdullah, former head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, condoled the 20th death anniversary of Ahmad Shah Massoud with the people and his family.
“Death anniversary of Ahmad Shah Massoud and martyrs week recalls the proud period of Jihad and resistance and the sacrifices of our people against Soviet invasion and for the defense and independence of our country.”
JamiatIslami Party Head SalahuddinRabbani on his facebook page offered condolences to Massoud’s family and people on his martyrdom anniversary.
AdebFahim, the son of Marshal Fahim, also commemorated the martyrs week and said Massoud’s dream was a free, independent healthy Afghanistan.
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