Taliban Arrest Two Clerics Critical Of Group’s Monopoly Of Power
Sources confirmed to Afghanistan International that the Taliban's intelligence services have arrested two clerics who are critical of the group, Mahmood Hassan and Abdul Qadir Qant.
Sources confirmed to Afghanistan International that the Taliban's intelligence services have arrested two clerics who are critical of the group, Mahmood Hassan and Abdul Qadir Qant.
Earlier, in a meeting in Kabul, the two clerics strongly criticised the Taliban's monopoly of power, especially the Kandahar Taliban faction, and called for the formation of an inclusive government.
The Council for the Support of Jihadi and Islamic Values held a conference in Kabul on Monday, January 27. Mahmood Hassan, a member of the council and former head of the Hajj and Religious Affairs Department in Panjshir province, said at the meeting that the Taliban had monopolised power. He emphasised that in addition to Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, 12 Taliban cabinet ministers are from Kandahar province.
Sources said that the Taliban's intelligence agency arrested the two clerics on Tuesday, January 28.
In contact with his family, Mahmood Hassan confirmed that he is in Taliban custody.
Relatives of Qant also told Afghanistan International that the Taliban had arrested him.
Mahmood Hassan had strongly urged Taliban leaders not to confine power to Kandahar. He called on the Taliban to end the monopoly of power and include representatives of other provinces and ethnic groups in power.
The council member said, "We heard that 12 ministers, including Amir al-Momineen Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, are from Kandahar. This is not justice. This is not fairness and equality. Give power to the tribes and people of Afghanistan in the true sense of the word, whether it is a ministry, a directorate or an administration."
Abdul Qadir Qant, another member of the council, was also present at the ceremony. He is from Chal district of Takhar province, and was previously arrested by the Taliban.
Their criticism of the Taliban has been widely welcomed by users on social media.
