Residents of the Rashk area in Punjab district of Bamiyan province say the Taliban have seized their homes and handed them over to nomadic Kochis, leaving many families displaced and living in temporary tents.
Locals told Amu that the Taliban pressured residents to sign forced land transfer documents. Those who refused have faced arrest warrants and accusations of “causing division,” prompting some families to flee.
“They are under pursuit. The Taliban want to arrest those who refused to sign the order giving their land to the Kochis,” said a woman from Punjab district.
Residents said the properties taken were privately owned and that the displaced families are facing severe economic hardship. Some families reported that Taliban and Kochis have even barred them from grazing their livestock.
The forced displacements in Rashk Pushta Gharghari were reported about a month ago. Locals said the Taliban closed off homes before handing them over to Kochis.
Richard Bennett, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, said he is reviewing the situation and warned the Taliban that “forced evictions are never acceptable.” He urged adherence to international standards, including due process, adequate notice, genuine consultation with residents and compensation.
Earlier reports from Bamiyan indicated that 25 families were forcibly displaced under orders from Taliban-appointed governor Abdullah Sarhadi and with the involvement of Kochis.
The Taliban have not responded to Amu’s request for comment.
