Local sources in Kabul say the Taliban have threatened protesting residents of the Omid Sabz township, warning them that their forces have "permission to shoot directly" at demonstrators if they hold protests.
The threats were reportedly made as Taliban forces on Tuesday, October 6, arrested five representatives of the residents for protesting the group's decisions. According to sources, the Taliban accused the representatives of "rebellion" and opposing their orders.
The arrests followed a gathering of residents at the township's gymnasium to protest a decision by the Taliban's Ministry of Justice to impose rent. The residents were protesting the seizure of their homes and the demand for payment.
Residents say the Taliban have asked them to pay rent to live in their own homes, setting the rate at 4,000 Afghanis per room.
The dispute began in May when a special Taliban court declared over 1,500 jeribs of land in the township as "state-owned." The Ministry of Justice then gave residents a deadline of August 6 (15 Asad) to evacuate.
The protesting residents call the Taliban's decision unjust and are demanding to know the legal basis for the rent demand.
Source: Afghanistan International
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