Deadly Clashes Over Opium Field Destruction in Badakhshan

DIDPress: Clashes between farmers and the interim government in northern Badakhshan province have resulted in several deaths and injuries.

Tensions erupted in Jurm district following the government’s efforts to destroy opium poppy fields, leading to violent confrontations between local residents and government forces, reported local sources.

The clashes occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in the Farghamanj village.

Eyewitnesses say one civilian was killed and at least four others were injured during the clashes.

Additionally, one member of the government’s special opium eradication unit was also wounded in the fighting.

Ahmad Jawid Majidi, a former member of the Badakhshan Provincial Council, confirmed the clashes and accused the interim government of discriminatory and double-standard behavior.

“The Taliban allow opium cultivation in some provinces but crack down harshly in Badakhshan. This is not justice,” he said.

“Due to extreme poverty, people in this province have turned to poppy farming. If the Taliban are serious about combating drugs, they should first target major trafficking networks and the advance payments given to farmers,” Majidi added.

In the past, clashes between interim government forces and local communities over opium field destruction have occurred in different parts of Badakhshan.