The rapid influx of Taliban into the powerhouse of Afghanistan to begin presidency took its final shape on Tuesday as it told the government-sector employees to return to their workplaces and resume normalcy. Though the locals remained cautious after the announcement, Afghan roads witnessed a few women out for their respective work.
Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that saw no backlash or hinderance from the former government, several thousands of residents have attempted to escape the nation in a bid to get away from Taliban as the armed group remained in war with the country for the past 20 years. Amongst the people who fled, some were scared about the extremist Islamic ruling to be implemented in the region under the Taliban rule while others were worried of facing the consequences for supporting the earlier Ghani-led government, which received military support from the US. However, the US withdrew its troops that eventually led to the government’s collapse.
Many planes flew to different parts of the world carrying thousands of Afghanis after the Taliban arrived in the Presidential palace on Sunday and took power.
Several nations evacuated their citizens from the crisis-laden country after a brief halt. They restarted on Tuesday as Monday saw the desperate Afghanis clinging onto the wings of a US military plane as it took off after evacuating its staff. People were seen falling off the plane midair when the aircraft was hundreds of meters away from ground.
ALSO READ: Uzbekistan Contacts Taliban on Border Security Issues
During Taliban’s brutal rule from 1996-2001, girls weren’t allowed to go to schools while several people were stoned to death. As the armed group has clinched power again, Afghanis fear the comeback of similar times. The Taliban on Tuesday announced a “general amnesty” for government workers as it aims to implement an array of restraints and amendments to the existing laws.
“Those working in any part or department of the government should resume their duties with full satisfaction and continue their duties without any fear,” a Taliban statement said. With this, some shops reopened and traffic police returned to the streets.
Taliban officials have planned its first official diplomatic meeting with a Russian ambassador after taking control of Afghanistan. One of the group members was also interviewed by a female journalist, which was telecasted on an Afghan news channel.
Nevertheless, people said that they are living in fear due to the transfer of powers. “The fear is there,” a shopkeeper said who did not wish to be named.
ALSO READ: Taliban Urges Afghan Govt Employees to Return to Work
Though the United Nations chose to watch the predicted scenario unfold without acting on the extremely sensitive matter, its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “The world is watching”. He added that world powers should ensure that Afghanistan, now in the hands of Taliban, does not become a breeding ground for terrorists.
