Afghan Taliban, security forces hug each others during Eid ul Fitr

KABUL (By Basir Hotak) — In an unprecedented move in Afghanistan, the arch-rivals, Taliban, and Afghan security forces performed Eid ul Fitr namaz (prayers) and hugged each other and exchanged greetings of a religious festival.

The emotional and rare moment was witnessed and warmly welcomed by the local population.
During the pleasant inter-actions Afghan Taliban and Afghan security forces also took selfies from their mobile as a record and shared hand shaking pictures.

According to VOSA correspondents, the new positive interactions were seen on Friday in Afghanistan followed a cease-fire announced by Afghan Government as well as Taliban leaders who agreed for a cease-fire.

As a gesture of goodwill, the Afghan Government also announced that all or any Taliban leaders or soldiers can visit their family members all over the country and no action would be taken against them by anyone. Foreign forces have been asked to stay within their camps and ordered to strictly follow the cease-fire.

The reunion and closeness among Taliban and Afghan officials were not only witnessed in Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad, Ghazni, Herat, Kapisa, Logar and Helmand but also in small towns and villages.

People warmly welcomed the new spirit of brotherhood

Afghan people have enthusiastically welcomed the new spirit of brotherhood and religious harmony.
Many people were surprised to see that Afghan Taliban who was seen as enemies until last week were openly roaming and visiting family and friends in cities and towns without any fear or interception but maintaining the cease-fire orders in accordance with their Supreme Leader Mullah Haibatullah.

It is also important to note that Afghan security forces soldiers were also allowed to visit their family members and friends in Taliban controlled areas and no unwanted incident was reported from anywhere.

The Afghan masses were so impressed by the fortunate events that they requested by sides to end the war and prolong the cease-fire as long as possible.

As per the current understanding, the cease-fire is due to last until the fifth day of Eid ul Fitr but after witnessing the spirit of brotherhood among Afghan people it is expected that both sides may consider a long-term reconciliation process.

Meanwhile former Jihadi leader Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf said he hopes the ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban will be a long-term truce and that the militant group stops fighting government forces.

Addressing reporters in Kabul on Friday, Sayyaf reiterated that the war, explosions, and suicide bombings are forbidden under Islamic law.

He also spoke about the upcoming elections and called on the people to participate in the process and cast their votes in order to determine the country’s future. Sayyaf also called on the government to prevent any fraud in the upcoming elections.