Taliban deny reports of involvement in Kazakhstan unrest

A spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, has rejected all media reports of their involvement in fuelling the unrest in the Central Asia country, Kazakhstan, reports The Express Tribune.

“We strongly reject such allegations and reports,” Mujahid claimed.

He further added, “We have reiterated many times that the Afghan soil wouldn’t be used against any country, and we believe in zero interference in the affairs of other countries.”

The Taliban spokesman also demanded a peaceful solution to the unrest in the country.

“We believe in and demand a peaceful solution to the unrest of Kazakhstan and assure that we will not pose any threat or danger to the peaceful environment of the neighbourhood.”

In January, several people were killed in the clash with security forces during a protest over a high price of the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Almaty city, Kazakhstan.

Initially, the protest began in the western region of Mangystau province and spread to other parts of the country.

President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev imposed a state of emergency in the Almaty city and hydrocarbon-rich western region of Mangystau effective from January 5 until January 19.