Taliban’s Sirajuddin Haqqani Stresses Security Measures for Muharram
The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior has announced that Sirajuddin Haqqani, acting head of the ministry, emphasized the need for necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens during the month of Muharram at a leadership meeting held on Wednesday. According to the ministry, he called for increased efforts by security forces to maintain public security and gain the trust of the people.
According to a released statement, Haqqani also stressed the implementation of a new law endorsed by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, for the Ministry of Interior. The meeting also focused on providing technical equipment for the department combating crimes and improving the capacity of its staff.
The Ministry of Interior added that the meeting concluded with directives and recommendations provided by the minister to officials of the ministry. No further details were disclosed regarding the specific security measures for Muharram.
These remarks come amid restrictions imposed by the Taliban in recent years on Shia religious ceremonies in Afghanistan. Residents in some provinces have reported limitations on mourning processions, the display of flags and religious symbols, use of loudspeakers, and holding certain public ceremonies.
The Taliban administration has consistently stated that these actions aim to ensure security and prevent potential threats; however, some citizens and human rights organizations regard this approach as interference with the free conduct of Shia religious rituals and have called for a practical guarantee of the right to religious freedom.
In recent years, the month of Muharram has involved extensive security measures due to security threats, especially deadly attacks by ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province) against Shia mosques and gatherings. This ongoing threat continues to cause concern among the population.
