8am: Residents of the Samti area in Chah Ab District of Takhar Province rose in protest, armed with stones and sticks, against Taliban-affiliated companies they accused of plundering gold mines and destroying their water wells. Sources identify the companies as belonging to Haji Mohib and Haji Ruhullah Ruhani from Kandahar Province. They are described as commission agents for Chinese companies who seize people’s land and sell the areas to Chinese firms. Sources say that a few days ago, workers from these companies began digging on private land without informing residents or local Taliban institutions, triggering a strong backlash from the community. Click here to read more (external link).
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