PESHAWAR: Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF) in Panjshir, said the people of the province were fighting hard against the Taliban and are not ready to withdraw from their legitimate rights.
Massoud wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday morning that they will be defeated only if people gave up struggle for their rights. Referring to the ongoing resistance against the Taliban in Panjshir valley, as well as women protests in Herat for their rights, Massoud said people are not afraid of any threat.
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Ahmad Massoud wrote this as clashes between the Taliban and the Resistance Front had intensified with both sides claiming casualties. The Taliban claim they have made some progress in the fight against their rivals in the province. But resistance leaders have denied the Taliban’s claim as former defense minister Bismillah Mohammadi said the Taliban have suffered heavy casualties. Former First Vice President Amrullah Saleh also confirmed in a video sent to BBC that the situation in Panjshir is not good, but they are fighting hard.
Saleh rejects escape reports
As the Taliban claimed progress after their forces entered Panjshir from all sides, Saleh, confirmed in a video sent to BBC that he is still in Panjshir and leading resistance force against the Taliban. Mr Saleh admitted that the situation is the valley is good.
Meanwhile the Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid said that the opposition has promised to surrender. Mujahid claims that opposition leaders have fled Panjshir valley. Other sources close to the Taliban also made similar claims. Meanwhile, Jamiat-e-Islami leader Salahuddin Rabbani in a video message urged the Taliban in the Northern provinces to stop attacking Panjshir otherwise war would break out in other parts of Afghanistan as well.
Both sides claim heavy casualties in fighting in Panjshir. But since the telephone network in the area is suspended and journalists are unable to access the valley, therefore, the claims of both sides could not be confirmed independently.