A copy of the Farman issued by Mullah Omar
A Farman (directive) to the Taliban commanders issued by Mullah Mohammad Omar, the then head of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, shows that he ordered crackdown against all communists and Shi'ite Muslims.
The Pashtu-language secret document was seized from the Afghan Interior Ministry building in Kabul in 2001 when the Mullah Omar-led Taliban fled Afghanistan following the U.S. invasion. Afghan websites recently published the document with a translation by one Ishaq Mohammadi.
Afghan media interpreted the Farman's command to destroy the un-Islamic cultural heritage of Afghanistan as a reference to ordering the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan. The exact date of the document is not given.
Following is the text of the document:
"Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Movement of Taliban
"Kandahar Province (Secret Service Cell)
"Secret Order
"1. Ruthless army steps by Taliban against opponent enemy groups.
"2. Recovery of arms and collection of Islamic Taxes.
"3. Demolition of Mughul's (Hazaras) historic cultural heritage and remains [such as Bamiyan's Buddhas].
"4. Ban on celebrating Jashn-e-Nouroz (a cultural festival/New Year)
"5. Complete economic embargo of Hazarajat [areas inhabited by Shi'ite Hazaras].
"6. Strict army measures to disown Hazara tribes from their lands and properties forcibly.
"7. Disintegration of Hazarajat gradually.
"8. Elimination and arrest of communist elements.
"9. Rooting out of all mysterious and opponent forces.
"10. Anti-Shi'ite propaganda campaign.
"11. Assistance for Islamic Madrasas (religious schools) and religious groups.
"12. Strict control and watch on women (out of their homes).
"13. Complete recovery of Taxes from opium production.
"14. Care for transportations and oil.
"15. Assistance of Akhund Zadas (Taliban) and religious Mullahs.
"16. Assistance and care for pro-Taliban Shi'ite Mullahs and commander.
"Attention for Kajiki, Kishki Nakhud, Kalat, Shah Joi, Maruf, Helmand (Name of Provinces and Districts).
"May be informed very quick."
Sources: www.hazarapeople.com, Afghanistan, March 3, 2012; www.kabulpress.org, Afghanistan, March 2, 2012. The text of the document has been lightly edited for clarity.
