Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid told India Today TV that the Taliban want peace in Afghanistan and they do not want people to fear them. Read on to find out what he told India Today during an exclusive interview. . The Taliban on Sunday marched into the capital city of Kabul, after 20 years of fighting the administration from the Af-Pak region. While fear gripped the city with the top leadership having fled Afghanistan, including President Ashraf Ghani, who tendered his resignation soon after. ON LAW AND ORDER
In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, the Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed that the Taliban have entered the city, explaining that the intention was to maintain law and order.
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“Our forces have entered Kabul to maintain peace, law and order so that there is no loot. The whole Kabul will soon be under our control. We are forced to send our forces to ensure that city does not fall into,” Mujahid said. NO INTERIM GOVERNMENT
When asked about the transition of power and would there be an interim government, the Taliban spokesperson rejected the idea of the former Interior Minister of Afghanistan heading a caretaker government.
He said, “Ali Ahmad Jalali is not an acceptable candidate to head an interim government. There has been no talk of any interim government. All this misinformation is propaganda.” CHECK THESE OUT More
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ON NEW GOVERNMENT
There was a lot of speculation all through Sunday on what the new Afghan government could look like but Zabiullah Mujahid said “no decision” has been taken on who will hold which portfolio. There was a lot of talk that the Taliban’s Deputy Commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, also called Mullah Baradar Akhund, would be nominated the President. The spokesperson said, “The decision will take place later.” advertisement
Adding, “We are an Islamic organisation and therefore the government will be formed on the basis of Islamic Sharia and the Shura will sit and take a decision on this.”
Even as news started trickling in of the Taliban reaching the gates of the capital city, many political leaders started leaving the country, including evacuation done by many missions and their diplomatic staff and personnel. WE WANT PEACE IN AFGHANISTAN
“We want to see peace in Afghanistan. We will not seek revenge or persecute earlier political leaders. Will try to ensure the government is well represented,” the Taliban assured.
He added, “Nobody should fear us. There is no reason for anybody to leave the country. We will not harm anybody. The Mujahideen are only entering Kabul for peace. We will together strive for peace and nobody will suffer any loss.” advertisement AFGHANS SHOULD RETURN
He also invited all Afghans to return to the country. “They will not be harmed or face hardship. Let us join hands for the prosperity of Afghanistan from all walks of life, all tribes, all communities,” he said. 'WOMEN WILL BE ALLOWED TO WORK'
Many women stare at a very dark future. When asked if they will be pushed back to the dark ages with no access to work or education, he said, “Women will certainly be allowed to work within the realm of Sharia laws and rules. Children should be allowed to study. There is a need for better education in Afghanistan.” WON'T HARM ANY DIPLOMATS
To a question on foreign missions evacuating and the fact there continues to exist lack of trust, Zabiullah Mujahid said, “We are not going to harm any diplomats. We consider them important and want good relations with everyone. Afghanistan needs to engage the world. We will continue to maintain diplomatic ties with all countries and ensure the safety of diplomats and the diplomatic infrastructure. We assure them absolute protection.”
For India, the dilemma of dealing with the Taliban in Kabul has created quite a strain and while the mission in Kabul would be evacuated of all the Indians, there is a need to ensure Indian investments and interests are protected. advertisement HOPE TO MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONS WITH INDIA
When asked about the status of ties with India, he said, “We hope to maintain good relations with all countries, including India. We will work towards the betterment of Afghanistan. While ties have not been good in the past, we will strive for better ties.”
When asked how is that possible if the Taliban maintains close ties and is supported by Pakistan, he said, “There are issues between India and Pakistan which the two have to resolve. We do not want to take sides. Afghanistan is connected to both countries. We want all countries to have good relations.”
Displaying confidence in Islamabad, he said, “Pakistan is a neighbour and a second home to many of us. There are many Afghans who live in Pakistan. We don’t want to indulge in a blame game, we just want good ties with all countries.”