Kabul, Aug 15 (IANS) Amid tight security, the Afghan Taliban on Saturday celebrated the fifth anniversary of its return to power after defeating the US-led coalition forces in the country.
Celebrating it as a ‘Victory Day’, groups of security personnel drove their vehicles on Kabul streets while chanting slogans and holding white flags in their hands.
In addition to holding a large gathering attended by officials to highlight the significance of the day, the government also dispatched helicopters to drop flowers on citizens in parts of Kabul city, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The Afghan Taliban took over power on August 15, 2021, following years of war against the US-led coalition forces. The last American soldier left the country at the end of August, 2021.
The day is a public holiday, and no security incidents have been reported so far. Meanwhile, various cultural events, including sports competitions, have been organised in Kabul and other cities.
Noting that Afghanistan has experienced a period of improved security, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday said that sustainable peace and prosperity need more than just an absence of conflict.
UNAMA also called on ‘de facto’ authorities to take steps that could contribute to lasting stability for the people of Afghanistan.
“A reduction in conflict has brought tangible benefits for many Afghans and created opportunities to focus on recovery, development and regional economic cooperation, with positive steps taken including a ban on opium poppy cultivation,” read the statement.
However, it also highlighted the challenges, especially restrictions on women and girls and concerns about terrorism, saying that they are impeding Afghanistan’s path towards post-conflict recovery.
“The last five years have shown that Afghans deeply value peace and stability after decades of war,” said Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of UNAMA.
“But sustainable peace and prosperity require more than just an absence of conflict. Afghanistan’s future depends on building a society in which the rights and potential of all Afghans are realised, and institutions are responsive and accountable,” Gagnon said.
–IANS
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