Mohammad Mohaqiq, leader of the Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan, says that if Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, fulfills his promises regarding the protection and restoration of the rights of Hazaras and Shias, some people in Afghanistan may join him.
In an interview with Afghanistan International, Mohaqiq described Sirajuddin Haqqani and his team as “powerful” and said that they could be “counted on.” At the same time, he stressed that the Taliban have so far failed to recognize the existence and position of Hazaras and Shias in the way they should, and for this reason have not allocated a specific share for them in their governing structure.
The leader of the Islamic Unity Party of the People of Afghanistan described the current situation as difficult for all ethnic groups and political forces opposed to the Taliban. Referring to recent incidents targeting Hazaras, including forced displacement and an explosion at a school in a Hazara-populated area, he said that the situation has “reached the point of unbearable pressure” and could lead to increased public sensitivity and reaction.
Mohaqiq called on the people of Afghanistan to intensify their political struggle against the Taliban and warned that if political and peaceful avenues are blocked, they may also enter the field alongside other opponents of the Taliban.
He also said that fighting has begun in several areas of Afghanistan and that the Taliban should regard this situation as a serious “warning.” Mohaqiq called on the Taliban to abandon what he described as “despotism,” create opportunities for political participation by the people, and enter into “clear and genuine” negotiations to resolve the crisis in Afghanistan.
However, Mohaqiq added that although “reasonable” voices are sometimes heard from within the Taliban, in his view, the “nature of the Taliban” is not open to negotiation.
These remarks come as Mohaqiq said that armed groups opposing the Taliban, including the Afghanistan Freedom Front, the United Front, and the National Resistance Front, carried out at least 50 attacks against Taliban forces in various parts of Afghanistan over the past month.
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