Kolkata: Afghans would never forget August 15, 2021 ever. If their neighbours India are revelling at the celebrations of the country’s 75th Independence Day, the common Afghan has been forced to welcome the dictatorial regime of the Taliban once again after a hiatus of two decades.
Yes, the Taliban have occupied Kabul, the nation’s capital amid the meek surrender of President Ashraf Ghani who reportedly has flown out of country to a safer haven in Tajikistan. As major powers resorted to cowardice refusing to lend support to the Afghan government, Ghani found himself left in the lurch.
As per reports, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will take over as President following Ghani’s exit.
The hardline Taliban regime which over the last few days, had stepped up its campaign to seize control, is finally in charge. And it’s back to the stone age era for the average Afghan. Though, the extremist group has allayed all fears of suppression, the diktat to women bank employees in Kandahar to quit their jobs paints a contradictory picture.
As the all-weather friends of Taliban congratulate them on the victory, spare a thought for the ordinary Afghan who stares at darkness all over again. Are the world leaders listening?