Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Sayyaf Criticizes NUG over Sidelining Mujahideen from Power

Sayyaf Criticizes NUG over Sidelining Mujahideen from Power

KABUL - Strongly criticizing the National Unity Government (NUG) over what he believed as the isolation of mujahideen from political power, ex-Jihadist Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf emphasized that "they were mujahideen who defended the country."

Speaking at a ceremony on Sunday marking the 26th anniversary of the Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Sayyaf urged the achievements were as a result of sacrifices of the people of Afghanistan.

"The mujahideen have been separate from politics, which is not in favor of the country," the ex-presidential candidate said, raising his voice for the first time against separation of mujahideen from NUG after the former minister of Water and Energy, Mohammad Ismail Khan, criticized the exclusion of mujahideen from the cabinet.

"Mujahideen are not war criminals, but communist leaders were who killed thousands of people committing crimes," Sayyaf noted, turning down reports of accusations of war crimes against former Jihadists.

He added that the mujahideen have not disappeared or are dead, admiring the fact that most of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are ex-jihadists.

Referring to the growing rumors about the emergence of Daesh fighters in the country, Sayyaf declared that the mujahideen were ready to fight the group and defend the country.

"We've stood up against all groups threatening the nation and we will stand up against Daesh too," the former Jihadist said. "Daesh is misusing Islam and it's against humanity."

Believing that Daesh are the same militants but with a different brand, Sayyaf said, "It's the same doctor just changing the prescription."

He warned at the conclusion that there would once again be a need for the mujahideen exclaiming "if Daesh arrives to our doors, you'll be knocking on the doors of the mujahideen once again."

Former Jihadist Ismail Khan who was also present at the event praised the sacrifices of the mujahideen, calling on their unity against threats.

"Today's freedom is because of the sacrifice of the people," Khan said, demanding the NUG to learn from the past experiences of the mujahideen.

He warned that the mujahideen would not let anyone to create problems for the country. (Tolonews)