Taliban Governor Blocks Protest Over Killing of Shiites in Herat

Taliban Governor Blocks Protest Over Killing of Shiites in Herat
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Afghanistan International reports the Taliban governor of Herat, Noor Ahmad Islamjar, has blocked a planned protest march by Shia residents following a deadly attack on civilians in the province.

The governor summoned Shia clerics and community elders on Monday morning and asked them to cancel both the funeral procession and the planned march.

Protesters had intended to carry the bodies of the victims in a procession from Sadeqiya Mosque in central Herat to a shrine known as Sultan Agha.

The march was planned as part of funeral rites for victims of the deadly attack in Deh Miri village in Injil district.

Sources said Sunni residents had also planned to join the procession in solidarity.

At the same time, some business groups announced they would close their shops on Tuesday in observance.

The Taliban governor said only burial ceremonies should take place at the Sultan Mir Abdul Wahid shrine, also known as Sultan Agha.

Sources said that despite Shia clerics insisting on a peaceful march, the governor rejected the request.

Another source said that despite the governor’s position, the march may still go ahead but warned that Taliban forces would not provide security for participants.

The attack took place on Friday, April 10, when four gunmen shot dead 13 Shia civilians visiting a shrine in Deh Miri village.