India must not retain ties with former rulers: Taliban

The Taliban head of political office in Doha, Suhail Shaheen, said that India must not retain its relationship with former officials, and should establish ties based on national and mutual interest with the Taliban government.

Shaheen in an interview with “The Print”, an Indian newspaper, emphasized that India must reopen its embassy in Kabul. He said that the Taliban are committed to providing full security to Indian diplomats.

“We have announced time and again that it is our commitment to provide security to all diplomats working in Kabul. It is our responsibility and we have proved that. There are many embassies working in Kabul and we have provided full security to them. That also includes India if they want to open their embassy”, Shaheen told ThePrint.  “They (India) are welcome if they want to complete their projects or to initiate new ones. India should not have relations and base all their relations on the individual lens of those officials of the former Kabul administration who are now in western countries living along with their families.”

He once again urged the world to recognize the Taliban government, adding that they have fulfilled all the conditions for recognition, have ensured security across the country, the people support them, have the sovereignty over the borders, and must not be treated based on political motivations.

Mr. Shaheen referring to closure of schools in Afghanistan said that they have formed a commission regarding this issue, and soon girls will return to schools.

The news comes as no country has recognized the Taliban government nine months after their domination. The world has said the world would not recognize their government, unless they form an inclusive one.

On the other hand, after Taliban’s takeover girls above grade sixth cannot go to school, and the restrictions on women are expanding day by day.