SHEBERGHAN (SW): Local officials in Jawzjan claim the Taliban have forcefully imposed levies worth AFN 14,000 on families living in areas under their clout.

Kher Mohammad, a member of a security personnel’s family in Aqcha district, said tax collection is still underway. As many as 120 families in seven villages under the influence of the Taliban are boring the brunt of this situation. Those not paying taxes have been forced to flee.

Babur Eschi, chairman of the provincial council, informed that the Taliban’s sphere of influence is on the rise, and they are intensely recruiting fighters among their ranks in Aqcha district. The local civil society has criticized the government for not doing enough to curtail the influence of the Taliban.

Abdul Hafeez Khashi, director security at the Afghan National Police (ANP) headquarters in Jawzjan, acknowledged that the Taliban are engaged in unlawful activities in areas under their control, and collecting taxes as well.

Aqcha is one of the insecure areas in Jawzjan province where many Taliban are active.

ENDS