South Asia Terrorism Portal
Terrorist Regime Ajit Kumar Singh Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management
On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced its 33-member Interim Government. At least 17 of these 33 members are individuals included in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Consolidated List. Of these 17, three belong to the Haqqani Network, a UNSC-listed terrorist formation headed by Sirajuddin Haqqani, a top Taliban leader. A fourth Haqqani Network member is part of the Cabinet, but is not listed.
UNSC listed terrorists include Prime Minister Mullah Mohammed Hasan Akhund, his two deputies Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Foreign Minister Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, Finance Minister Mullah Hidayatullah Badri, Minister of Economy Qari Din Hanif, Defence Minister Mawlavi Mohammed Yaqoob, Deputy Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Fazil, Interior Minister Mullah Sirajuddin Haqqani, Minister of Information and Culture Mullah Khairullah Khairkhah, Minister for Mines and Petroleum Mullah Muhamad Essa Akhund, Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs Mullah Noorullah Noori, Minister of Water and Energy Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, Minister of Civil Aviation and Transport Mullah Hamidullah Akhundzada, Minister of Higher Education Abdul Baqi Haqqani, Minister of Telecommunication Mawlavi Najibullah Haqqani, and Director of Intelligence Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq.
At least 13 members of the Interim Government were part of the first Taliban Government, at the Centre or at the Provincial level, which ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001.
Prime Minister Akhund was the Foreign Minister and was the brain behind the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, the giant cliff statues blown up by the Taliban in 2001. After the fall of the Taliban Government in end-2001, he started operating mostly from exile in Pakistan, giving ‘spiritual and religious guidance’ to the Taliban.
Deputy Prime Minister Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban, served as deputy to Mullah Omar during Taliban rule between 1996 and 2001. He was the Defense Minister when the Taliban was ousted from power. He assumed the position of de facto leader after Omar’s death. The other newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Hanafi, was deputy minister of education in Taliban’s first Government.
Deputy Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Fazil was the Deputy Chief of Army Staff in the Taliban’s previous Government.
Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani is also on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most-wanted list, with a USD 10 million bounty on his head. His outfit is believed to be still holding at least one American hostage, Mark Frerichs, a civilian contractor, who was abducted in January 2020. It is useful recall here that the Haqqani Network, which operates direly under the aegis of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, is one of the most dreaded terror outfits operating in Afghanistan, and has carried innumerable attacks against foreign troops and establishments, including the Indian Embassy at Kabul. The Haqqani Network was the first group to adopt the use of suicide bombers for attacks in Afghanistan and have frequently used suicide bombers in its attacks.
Moreover, of the 33 members of the Cabinet, four were held at the detention facility in Guantánamo at one time, but were exchanged in May 2014 for the release of Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier who was captured and held by the Haqqani Network. These include Abdul Haq Wasiq (Director of Intelligence), Mohammad Fazl (Deputy Defense Minister), Khairullah Khairkhwa (Minister of Information and Culture), and Noorullah Noori (Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs). Mohammad Nabi Omari, who has been appointed as the new Governor of Khost Province, was the fifth Guantanamo prisoner to be exchanged.
The Interim Cabinet has only Taliban members, not a single woman, and is dominated by Pashtuns. There is little to suggest that the Taliban has changed in motivation, intent or character. What is visible now is the restoration of a terrorist government in Afghanistan after almost two decades of war.
Seth Jones, a senior vice president and director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in the Wall Street Journal,
To add insult to injury, the Interim Prime Minister, Mullah Akhund, inaugurated his government by hoisting the Taliban flag over the Presidential Palace at Kabul on September 11, 2021, even as America mourned at the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
While the Taliban has sought to project what one commentary described as the "very cuddly Taliban version 2.0" in its Press Conferences and public statements, evidence of cruelty, intimidation and violence, particularly against women, journalists and common people is accumulating.
At a protest in Kabul on September 8, one woman stated,
Another woman at the protest declared that the Taliban had "proved that they cannot change," adding,
Also, journalist Nemat Naqdi and video editor Taqi Daryabi from the digital media outlet EtilaatRoz, who were covering the women protest on September 8, were detained and assaulted. Later, on September 10, Nemat Naqdi narrated his ordeal to CNN in detail,
A widely shared video on social media has the Taliban's Minister of Education, Mawlawi Noorullah Munir questioning the relevance of higher education
These developments have forced the international community to adopt a cautious approach towards the Taliban regime. On September 7, the US State Department spokesperson observed,
Earlier, on September 6, US President Joe Biden referring to the US’s plan of recognizing the Taliban, declared, "That's a long way off."
The Taliban has made repeated assertions of cooperation with the rest of the world, including the statement at the time of the Cabinet announcement that “our message to our neighbors, the region and the world is that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used against the security of any other country.” It urged foreign diplomats, embassies, consulates and humanitarian organizations to return to Afghanistan, declaring, “Their presence is the need of our country.”
Realizing that they can’t run the Government in Kabul without international help, the Taliban leadership has adopted a conciliatory tone, but there is mounting evidence that their fundamental objectives and preferred style of governance remain exactly what they were in 1996-2001.
Nevertheless, China has welcomed the establishment of the Interim Government as a "necessary step to restore order" in Afghanistan and pledged 200 million Yuan (USD 31 million) in emergency aid to Afghanistan, including food supplies and coronavirus vaccines.
The Taliban had announced a formal oath ceremony on the 9/11 Anniversary, but this was cancelled. Inamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban Government's Cultural Commission tweeted,
Though some reports suggest that the Taliban has claimed that the ceremony was cancelled to save money at a time when the country is reeling under a cash shortage, sources indicate that an internal rift within the Taliban is a likely cause. Reports indicate that a tussle between Mullah Baradar and Sirajuddin Haqqani for Government leadership. Prime Minister Akhund’s elevation is seen as a transient compromise.
Limited resistance to the Taliban centered around the Panjishir Valley under the joint leadership of former Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who declared himself Acting President under the Constitution, and Ahmad Massoud, the son of the legendary ‘Lion of Panjshir’, Ahmad Shah Massoud. Panjshir’s capital, Bazarak, was overrun by the Taliban on September 6, and the Taliban claimed the defeat of the Resistance. Reports, however, suggest that Resistance fighters have taken to the hills, and will continue to oppose the Taliban regime. Significantly, the chief of Pakistan’s military intelligence, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, was present in Kabul when the offensive in Panjshir peaked.
Internal dissensions, Pakistani interference, simmering popular protests, and Resistance forces that proclaim that they have not given up, suggest that international attitudes will play a pivotal role in the stability and survival of the Taliban regime in the foreseeable future.
The Taliban has violated almost every commitment it made under the Doha Agreement. US-NATO assertion in the past had insisted that a ‘military solution’ would not be acceptable in Afghanistan, and that an ‘inclusive government’ was the minimal requirement for support and cooperation. It is abundantly clear that the Taliban has met none of these conditions and has, instead, installed a government of terrorists. Unless the international community abandons the people of Afghanistan and confers increasing legitimacy on the Taliban regime, stability will remain a long way off. The war in Afghanistan may have ended for the time being, but the ‘great game’ will continue.
Karbi Groups: Peace, finally? Giriraj Bhattacharjee Research Associate, Institute for Conflict Management
On September 4, 2021, the Union Governments and the State Government of Assam signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) in New Delhi with six Karbi militant formations: Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), People’s Democratic Council of Karbi-Longri (PDCK), United People’s Liberation Army (UPLA), Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers-Mensing Kramsa (KPLT-M), KPLT-Ceasefire (KPLT-C) and KPLT-Run Rongpi (KPLT-R).
The preamble of the MoS talks of greater devolution of power within the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) structure to preserve and protect Karbi language and identity without affecting the territorial and administrative integrity of Assam. The salient features of the MoS include:
Referring to the MoS, Assam Chief Minister CM Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized,
The Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council was rechristened as KAAC on April 1, 1996. This was done after an agreement was signed between the then Assam Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia and the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC), Karbi Students Association (KSA), North Cachar Hills Students Federation and All Dimasa Students Association, in presence of the then Union Home Minister Shankarrao Bhavrao Chavan. The agreement also facilitated renaming of North Cachar District Council as North Cachar Autonomous District Council. The KAAC will now be rechristened KAATC after the passage of the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019.
Interestingly, even before the signing of the MoS, the groups representing the non-Karbi population living in the two districts – Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong – which the KAAC will cover, had raised their apprehensions over any loss of political and land rights. Apart from Karbis, there are tribes such as Bodos, Kukis, Dimasas, Hmars, Garos, Rengma Nagas, Tiwas, and Man (Tai speaking) communities inhabiting the twin districts.
On June 12, 2021, the All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA), Bokajan District Demand Committee, Karbi Anglong Adivasi Youth and Students' Council, Assam Gorkha Sanmilan, East Karbi Anglong Hindi Bhashi Sanstha, All Assam Minorities Students' Union, Assam Gorkha Autonomous Council Demand Committee, Adivasi Ekta Manch and two units of the All-Assam Gorkha Students' Union had sent an email to President Ramnath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing their concerns. According to a June 15, 2021, report, Anil Toppo, chief adviser of AASAA's Karbi Anglong District Committee, had noted,
It seems that by dividing the seats between Karbi [including other Scheduled Tribes (STs)] on one hand and 10 general seats on the other in the KAATC to be formed, the Government seeks to balance the interests of both the groups.
Though the reactions of all of these non-Karbi groups to the signing of the agreement are yet to be publicly articulated, Karbi Anglong Zila Asomiya Bhashik Sanstha (KAZABS), an organisation of Assamese speakers in the Karbi Anglong, has welcomed the tripartite peace agreement.
Worryingly, however, a group claiming to represent the Rengma Naga tribe, a minor tribal community, had raised apprehension even before the signing of the MoS. According to a June 8, 2021, report, Rengma Naga Peoples' Council (RNPC), a civil society group representing Rengma Nagas, was demanding a separate autonomous council. RNPC president K. Solomon Rengma argued,
The demand of the Rengma Nagas is also backed by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM). On June 7, 2021, NSCN-IM had issued a statement cautioning the Government,
RNPC has not reacted to the MoS thus far.
Further, two minor Kuki militant formations – Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA) – based in these two districts, and who are engaged in peace talks, are also demanding a ‘Kuki Tribe Autonomous Regional council’ for Kuki tribes living in the Singhasan and Khumbamon Hills of undivided Karbi Anglong District. NSCN-IM opposes the Kuki demand as well. On February 27, 2021, NSCN-IM kilonsor (Minister) Joseph Rengma, who is also the head of the Naga Rengma Hills National Workers (NRHNW), a body affiliated with the NSCN-IM, warned that the Rengma people would “never allow” formation of a Kuki Regional Autonomous Council “in their lands”.
Though NSCN-IM has not yet reacted to the signing of the MoS, it remains to be seen how steers itself after the Governments has ignored its objections to the KAATC. It is pertinent to recall here that the talks between NSCN-IM and the Government of India have reached a stalemate over the contentious issues of a separate flag and constitution based on a 'unique Naga history',
Meanwhile, the decision to create 10 general seats seems to have upset some of the civil society groups based in the districts fearing loss of political dominance.
On September 5, 2021, protestors from 24 civil society groups, also known as 24+, demonstrated along the Diphu-Manja Road, shouting slogans and burning tyres in front of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party-East Karbi Anglong District Council. Their principal objection was to the addition of 10 seats that would be open for all communities. Avisnash Ronghang, President of one of the constituents of the 24+, the Karbi Farmers Association, declared,
Further, on September 8, 2021, ASDC, a political party, and two civil groups - Karbi Nimso Chingthur Asong (KNCA) [Karbi Women Association] and KSA - expressed disappointment with the accord in the absence of the implementation of Article 244. The main and long-standing demand for an autonomous state within Assam under Article 244 of the Constitution, has not been conceded in the MoS.
-On September 12, 2021, UPLA 'chairman' Sorjon Lo-eh, while participating in the group's disbanding ceremony, reacting to the protests by 24+, said,
Amidst these many concerns, implementing the MoS will remain a challenge. Crucially, the previous accord signed with United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) in 2011, was supposed to facilitate the up-gradation of the existing KAAC to a Territorial Council by 2016-2017. However, even after nearly 10 years of the signing, KAAC has not been upgraded to KAATC. Further, as opposition to the MoS has begun, though weakly, as of now, there is an urgent need to monitor related developments. In the past, dissatisfied cadres have formed new militant groups, thus diminishing the expected gains from such agreements signed earlier.
Weekly Fatalities: Major Conflicts in South Asia September 6-12, 2021
Civilians
Security Force Personnel
NS
Total
Afghanistan
India
Jammu and Kashmir
Manipur
Total (India)
PAKISTAN
Balochistan
KP
Punjab
Total (Pakistan)
Total (South Asia)
Taliban announces caretaker cabinet to govern the country: On September 7, the Taliban announced a caretaker cabinet to govern the country. Mullah Hassan Akhund has been appointed as the head of state (prime minister), Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Mawlawi Hannafi as his deputies. Other prominent names were that Mullah Yaqoub who was appointed as Acting Minister of Defense and Serajuddin Haqqani as the Acting Minister of Interior. Tolo News, September 8, 2021.
Panjshir resistance forces leader Ahmad Massoud has not left Afghanistan, says report: Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the resistance forces in Panjshir valley, is still in Afghanistan but 70 per cent of the main streets in Panjshir are under the control of the Taliban, Iranian news agency Fars has reported citing people familiar with the situation. Fars reported on September 11 that rumours about Massoud, the son of late former Afghan guerrilla commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, leaving Afghanistan for Turkey or any other place are false and the resistance leader is said to be in a safe place.
Earlier, on September 6, the Taliban said their forces had completely captured Panjshir Province and that the war in the country had ended. Taliban forces also published videos on social media indicating they were at the provincial center and had raised their flag at the provincial building. Hindustan Times, September 12, 2021;Tolo News, September 7, 2021.
United Nations seeks USD 600 million to avert humanitarian crisis in the country: The United Nations is convening an aid conference in Geneva on September 13 in an effort to raise more than USD 600 million for Afghanistan to avert humanitarian crisis. There has been cut in developments assistance following the Taliban takeover of Kabul city on August 15. Reuters, August 24, 2021.
Law Ministry opines for six months' further extension of suspension of former Prime Minister Khaleda's jail sentence: The Law Ministry opined for six months' further extension of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson, former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia's jail sentence suspension. The development was confirmed last night (September 11) by Law Minister Anisul Huq. On March 25, 2020, the Government released the BNP chief after suspending her jail sentence as per section 401 (1) of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CrPC). The Daily Star, September 12, 2021.
"We will in no way patronise any terrorists", says Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen: Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on September 9 referring to the involvement of a few Bangladeshis in Afghanistan in the previous Taliban Government said "We will in no way patronise any terrorists". Briefing journalists at the Foreign Ministry, Momen said "We believe in democracy. We should ensure people's welfare and we're yet to make any decision on the Afghanistan issue." The Daily Star, September 10, 2021.
Indian SFs deployed in counter-terrorism grid directed to prepare training module on Taliban, says report: Border forces and armed Police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of emerging scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan. The Pioneer, September 13, 2021.
UPLA disbands itself after eight years of armed struggle: On September 12, United Peoples' Liberation Army (UPLA), a Karbi militant outfit disbanded itself after eight years of armed struggle at a ceremony in Balipathar under Bokajan sub-division of Karbi Anglong District in Assam. UPLA, a splinter group formed by former members of the erstwhile United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) in 2013, is a signatory of the tripartite Karbi Peace Accord signed on September 4 with Government of India (GoI) in New Delhi". Northeast Now, September 13, 2021.
AFSPA extended for another six months in Assam: The Assam Government extended the ''Disturbed Area'' status of the State for another six months from August 28 under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), according to an official statement issued on September 11. The AFSPA was imposed in Assam in November 1990 and is extended every six months since then after a review by the State Government. The Assam Tribune, September 12, 2021.
No chance of LTTE revival, says Sri Lankan Tamil Member of Parliament: Sri Lankan Member of Parliament (MP), V S Radhakrishnan, dismissed theories about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rearing its head again in his country, and said, "Any chance of revival of LTTE in Sri Lanka is remote because the government is rehabilitating Sri Lankan Tamils," to media in Trichy in Tiruchirappalli District of Tamil Nadu on September 11. He also said, "On the other hand, Sri Lankan Tamils face no threat to their safety and security under the government led by President Gotapaya Rajapaksa, though their wishes such as freedom of movement were not fulfilled. There is a sense of frustration among the people including Sinhalese towards the government. The Times of India, September 12, 2021.
ISKP planning terror attacks in India, according to security agencies: The security agencies here have warned that Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) operatives based in Afghanistan-Pakistan region are coordinating with India-based associates to carry out attacks in India. ISKP has also planned to send its fighters to India to carry out the attacks. The range of targets includes right-wing leaders, Hindu leaders, Security Forces, convoys, etc. The Pioneer, September 11, 2021.
IS inspired new jihadist outfit Al Kerala Military Brigade expanding network and fighters, says report: According to a recent report published in Kerala-based newspaper Daily Janmabhumi, a new jihadist group named 'Al Kerala Military Brigade', which follows the ideology of Islamic State (IS) has been gradually expanding its network and number of fighters. A report published by the 'Anti-terror Cyber Wing', Kerala has already emerged into a breeding ground of Islamic terrorists and the number of sleeper cells of the IS in Kerala is above 3,200. Blitz, September 10, 2021.
GoI signs ceasefire agreement with NSCN-K-NS: On September 8, a ceasefire agreement was signed for one year between the Government of India (GoI) and Nikki Sumi-led faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K-NS) in New Delhi District of Delhi. The agreement signed between Nikato Pila Sumi, 'supervisor', Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB), NSCN-K-NS, Abel Zingru Thuer, 'member', CFSB, NSCN-K-NS and Piyush Goyal, additional secretary to Government of India, Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) aimed at bringing about long- lasting peace in the State of Nagaland with the 'involvement of Naga people'. East Mojo, September 9, 2021.
Maharashtra Government extends Naxal Surrender Policy for two more years: The Maharashtra Government extended the Naxal [Left Wing Extremism, LWE] Surrender Policy in the State for two more years. The decision was taken by the State Government on September 7, officials said, adding, the policy was introduced in 2005 with the aim to curb the Naxal movement in the State. The Free Press Journal, September 8, 2021.
DNLA declares unilateral ceasefire for six months: Militant outfit, Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA), on September 8 declared a unilateral ceasefire with Government of India (GoI) with effect from September 7, 2021. In a press release, 'publicity secretary' of DNLA, Mungsri Ringsmai Dimasa, stated that the outfit has declared the ceasefire as a goodwill gesture for initiating peace talks with the Assam State Government and GoI. Northeast Now, September 8, 2021.
CPN-UML stalls House proceedings accusing Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota of being complicit in 'conspiracy' to split the party: Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) lawmakers stalled proceedings in both Houses of the Parliament on September 8 accusing Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota of being complicit in the 'conspiracy' to split their party. On the first day of the new session of the Parliament, Speaker Sapkota had to postpone the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting more than once to defuse the tense situation, but lawmakers from the main opposition continued to stall House proceedings. The Himalayan Times, September 9, 2021.
"Will hoist communist parties' unity flag after holding consultations", says CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal: Chairman of Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal while addressing the extended meeting of the party's Palpa District Committee on September 6 announced to hoist the flag for communist parties' unity after holding consultations with different forces. "Time has come for communist forces' unity for the cause of changes and revolution to defend national interests," the CPN-Maoist Center Chairman said. Khabar Hub, September 8, 2021.
Government could consider amnesty for 'TTP members who lay down arms', says President Arif Alvi: President Arif Alvi on September 10 suggested that the Pakistani Government could consider giving an amnesty to those members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who have not remained involved in "criminal activities" and who lay down their weapons and agree to adhere to the Pakistani Constitution. He made the indication during an interview on Dawn News programme 'Khabar Se Khabar'. In the context of the Taliban's assurance that they would not allow Afghan land to be used for terrorism against Pakistan, host Nadia Mirza asked the president whether the TTP was no longer a threat for Pakistan. Dawn, September 11, 2021.
TTP issues warning to media to refrain from calling them a "terrorist outfit":The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on September 6 issued a warning to the media and journalists, asking them to refrain from calling them a "terrorist outfit" or they will be treated as enemies. In a statement released by the TTP on social media, its 'spokesman' Mohammad Khurasani reportedly said they were monitoring the media coverage, branding the TTP with hateful titles, like "terrorists and extremists". "Using such terms for TTP showed a partisan role of media and journalists," it said, adding this is a stigma on the profession of journalism. Dawn, September 8, 2021.
Those responsible for Easter Sunday attack will not be allowed to escape, says Defense Secretary Kamal Gunaratne: Defense Secretary (Retd.) General Kamal Gunaratne during a media brief held on September 9 at the Defense Ministry said thar those responsible for the Easter Sunday attack will not be allowed to escape. He said several people had been arrested in connection with the attack and that the perpetrators would flee if the case against them could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt." Colombo Page, September 8, 2021.
The South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR) is a weekly service that brings you regular data, assessments and news briefs on terrorism, insurgencies and sub-conventional warfare, on counter-terrorism responses and policies, as well as on related economic, political, and social issues, in the South Asian region.
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