Kabul : Protests against Taliban erupted around the Afghanistan even as discussions were underway for formation of government. Crowds in the eastern city of Jalalabad took down black-on-white Taliban flag replacing it with the former Afghan government’s black, red and green flag, to mark Independence Day Wednesday. Shots were fired into the air, but when that failed to disburse crowd, the Afghan Taliban forces began thrashing the people and later opened fire again killing 3 and wounding several others. Video footages showed dozens of protesters walking down the street waving Afghan flags, while bystanders whistled their support. Jalalabad is the traditional hub of annual independence day celebrations in Afghanistan, which takes place every year on 19 August to commemorate the date when the British government recognized Afghan independence in 1919, ending the third Anglo-Afghan war.
Firing also took place from a central square in Daronta district, just outside Jalalabad, where too the crowds replaced the Taliban flag.
According to latest reports, protests are expanding to provinces outside Jalalabad fueling fears about how the insurgents would govern the fractious nation.
Meanwhile, Taliban have insisted they will respect human rights, unlike during their previously draconian rule. Even so, hundreds of Afghans remain hiding at home or trying to flee the country, fearful of abuses by the loosely controlled militant organization.
