Taliban enforce Sunni Eid observance on Shia community in Afghanistan

Taliban authorities in Malistan, Ghazni, have reportedly forced Shia residents to break their fast and observe Eid ul-Fitr according to the group’s decree, US-based Kabul Now said, citing local sources. Eyewitnesses in Malistan reported that Taliban forces patrolled markets and main streets, compelling those who were fasting to drink water.

“Many who were fasting fled in fear,” a source said, adding that Taliban members even used a water container to forcibly make locals drink. The Taliban had previously warned Malistan residents that Eid and fasting must align with their directives. While the Taliban declared Sunday, March 30, as Eid, many Shia Muslims continued fasting, as their religious leaders had not confirmed the holiday.

In areas with a significant Shia Hazara population, such as West Kabul and Bamyan, religious authorities had not yet announced Eid, highlighting the ongoing restrictions imposed on Shia practices since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.