Taliban authorities in northern Balkh province have reassigned contested shops in Mazar-e-Sharif’s secondhand clothing market to new individuals, despite protests from long-time shopkeepers, local sources told Amu TV on Tuesday.
The decision came after demonstrations last week in which dozens of traders said they had operated their stalls for more than 40 years but were being forced out without alternatives or compensation.
Sources said the municipality under Taliban control finalized new contracts, leaving no possibility for the original shopkeepers to reclaim their businesses.
“This move is unjust,” one shopkeeper said. “We built our livelihoods here for decades, and now we are simply being replaced.”
Videos posted on social media showed merchants marching in protest, demanding the decision be overturned.
Taliban have not publicly commented on the dispute.
