INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: Taliban-appointed interior minister of Afghanistan Sirajuddin Haqqani's recent public criticism directed at the militant
group's supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada has sparked speculation of a deepening division within the Taliban leadership.Without naming
and thoughts are dominating us to such an extent that power monopolisation and defamation of the entire [ruling] system have become common
Differences over curtailing women's rightsAnalysts said that a major reason for the internal rift is the regime's continued crackdown on
women's rights, which has made it hard for the Taliban administration to gain acceptance among its own populace and has further isolated
the country from the international community.Akhundzada, a notoriously reclusive leader, has ordered the banning of Afghan women from most
workplaces and all education since his hardline group seized power in August 2021
Akhundzada rules from the southern city of Kandahar and issues edicts via a religious council of clerics.The Taliban have so far prohibited
women from attending universities, working in non-governmental organisations, using gyms, and going to amusement parks or public baths
They are also prohibited from travelling more than 70 km without a male escort
The moves have sparked outrage among Afghans and the international community, with even some friendly Islamic countries expressing
The survival of the government depends on how we treat the people
The previous government was corrupt and did not survive as it repressed the people
If we treat the people well, our government will last longer," Haqqani said in his speech.Swift reprimandA day after Haqqani's criticism,
criticise or vilify the emir, minister or a government official ..
You must approach him and convey your criticism privately and safely, so no one else will hear it," Mujahid said in a speech aired by
Taliban-run official television.The deputy Taliban minister of justice, Abdul Ghani Faiq, also cautioned officials against undermining the
the TalibanTaliban leaders have long dismissed reports of any internal rifts as Western propaganda
Hamza Momain Hakimi, a political science lecturer at the Salam University in Kabul, however says the Taliban are divided into two
according to a report by Arab News
Afghan political expert based in Kabul, said Haqqani had expressed the concerns of the Afghan people
fear that the widening differences between the factions may end up triggering a serious conflict in the country and even a civil war
Most of the top Taliban leaders are warlords in their own right and command the loyalty of thousands of armed supporters
The interior minister is on the US list of most wanted men for plotting terrorism against American nationals
His so-called Haqqani network of militants staged high-profile deadly attacks in support of the Taliban insurgence against the United States
and Nato troops in Afghanistan for almost 20 years until the Taliban retook control of the country 18 months ago.Yaqoob is the son of the
billions of dollars worth of military equipment left behind by the US military
Sharif said.(With inputs from agencies)
