23 May 2001: Taliban Decides Badges For Hindus PART I: The story according to the AP and other news sources. PART II: Excuses, denial, and lies from Taliban & Jehadi sources PART IV: URLs of Taliban/Jehadi propaganda sites that currently publish justifications/revisions/denials of the Taliban Holocaust. Part I CITATION: Salahuddin, Sayed "World Pressure on Taliban over Badges for Hindus" Kabul: Associated Press 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web at http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010523/ts/afghan_taliban_dc.html on 23 May 2001. STORY: Wednesday May 23 10:51 AM ET World Pressure on Taliban Over Badges for Hindus By Sayed Salahuddin KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan's ruling Taliban faced mounting international condemnation Wednesday for a decree requiring non-Muslims to wear yellow badges, a move that evoked memories of Jews forced to wear yellow stars in Nazi Germany. The hard-line movement attempted to defend its latest step in enforcing its interpretation of Islam as a way to protect Hindus and other minorities from religious police imposing rules on Muslim Afghans. But India denounced the order -- which was aimed at the estimated 1,700 Sikhs and Hindus still in Afghanistan -- as racist and called for international pressure on the Taliban. "We believe that such edicts have no place in civilized societies and have been rightly deplored by the international community," Indian foreign affairs spokesman Raminder Singh Jassal said in New Delhi. "International pressure must be brought to bear on the Taliban to rescind such discriminatory orders and allow all communities to live in dignity and respect," Jassal said. The Taliban decree was the latest sign of their growing hostility to the outside world and an increasingly tough line in enforcing their austere version of Islam. "The ulema (religious scholars) have issued a decree that the non-Muslims in Afghanistan should have a mark of distinction," senior Taliban information ministry official Mullah Abdulhanan Himat told the Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press. "Under the decree the Ministry of Vice and Virtue has made it mandatory for the Hindus to wear a yellow badge on their chests," he said. Himat tried to cast the order in a favorable light, saying it was in response to demands from Hindus living in Afghanistan to be distinguished from Muslims. "This order was issued on the demand of Hindus who were concerned all the time because the workers of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice would always ask them to grow a beard or go and offer prayers in the mosque," he said. HINDU CONCERN IN KABUL But many Hindus and Sikhs in Kabul expressed anger at the decree under which non-Muslims must wear a piece of yellow cloth whenever they venture outdoors. "Let us live the way we want. We will have no religious freedom if we are told what to wear. It is disgusting if the Taliban imposes its will on us," an elderly Hindu at their temple told Reuters. "I completely object to this idea and will see what happens." Afghanistan's Hindu and Sikh community has shrunk to a tiny proportion of the 30,000 to 50,000 who were estimated to be in main cities before the country descended into 21 years of war. The decision -- which Himat said did not apply to visitors -- produced outrage in the West, where it triggered comparisons with Nazi treatment of Jews. Washington condemned the move as "the latest in a long list of outrageous repressions." The foreign anger was similar to that following the order of the Taliban's leader Mullah Mohammad Omar earlier this year to destroy all "idols" in Afghanistan -- including two massive ancient Buddhist statues which were blown up into rubble. Nepal, the world's only Hindu kingdom, also denounced the decree. "It is a reprehensible act which defies all norms and universal principles of human rights," the Nepali foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday. Himat said a formal order to enforce the decree had not yet been issued and other Taliban sources said privately they hoped implementation would be stopped. But the Taliban-controlled Voice of Shariat radio quoted religious police chief Maulawi Abdul Wali Tuesday as saying the order was based on Islamic law. "This decision is in accordance with the Sharia (Islamic law)," said Wali, head of the religious police who work directly under orders of the Taliban leader. The Taliban over recent weeks have taken an increasingly hostile stance toward the United Nations, a condition of lifting U.N. sanctions. And the faint hopes for an end to the war between the Taliban and their last opponents were dealt another blow with the closure this week of all but one Taliban-area office of the U.N. representative in charge of starting peace talks. Last week the United Nations complained that Taliban authorities have been abusing the aid workers who provide most of the social services in the shattered country. Some bakeries and a hospital run by aid groups were forced to close. CITATION: Shah, Amir "Afghan Hindus Told to Wear Label" Kabul: Associated Press 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web at http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010522/wl/afghanistan_hindus_7.html on 23 May 2001. STORY: Tuesday May 22 11:58 AM ET Afghan Hindus Told To Wear Label By AMIR SHAH, Associated Press Writer KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghanistan's Taliban rulers - already isolated by their harsh brand of Islam and poor treatment of women - announced plans to make Hindus wear an identity label on their clothing to distinguish them from Muslims. The hardline Taliban regime that controls 95 percent of this poor Central Asian state plans to enforce the new policy soon, Mohammed Wali, religious police minister, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The plan still must be approved by the Taliban's reclusive leader Mullah Mohammed Omar. The law would also make it mandatory for Hindu women to veil themselves - just like Muslim women of Afghanistan, Wali said. The proposal - reminiscent of the yellow Star of David that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi Germany - prompted an angry statement from Hindu-dominated India. "We absolutely deplore such orders which patently discriminate against minorities," Raminder Singh Jassal, an Indian foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters in New Delhi. "It is further evidence of the backward and unacceptable ideological underpinning of the Taliban." In the central Indian city of Bhopal, dozens of protesters from the Hindu fundamentalist group Bajrang Dal marched Tuesday, shouting angry slogans and carrying an effigy of a Taliban soldier with a beard and a green scarf. "Taliban, die!" some chanted. The National Volunteers Corps, a fundamentalist movement that is the ideological parent of India's ruling Hindu nationalist party, condemned the Taliban. "It is in line with the Taliban's interpretation of Islam, a religion which divides humanity into two: the believers and the infidels," said Baburao Vaidya, a spokesman for the corps, known by its Hindi acronym RSS. "We criticize the very fundamentals of Islamic tenets," he told The Associated Press. The decision could further isolate the orthodox Islamic militia, already under fire from the West for alleged discriminatory policies toward ethnic and religious minorities, human rights abuses and poor treatment of women. In recent years, many Hindus and other members of religious minorities have left Afghanistan because of Taliban policies. Wali said the latest Taliban move is in line with Islam. "Religious minorities living in an Islamic state must be identified," the minister said. The Taliban have not yet decided what sort of an identity label Hindus will have to wear, he added. There are at least 5,000 Hindus living in Kabul. Thousands of other Hindus live in other Afghan cities, but there are no reliable figures on exactly how many. The new law will be meant for only Hindus because there are no Christians or Jews in Afghanistan and Sikhs can be easily recognized by their turbans, Wali said. However, at least one Jew is known to live in the Afghan capital of Kabul and there may also be some Christians. It was unclear whether foreigners living in Afghanistan would be required to wear the identity label. Anar, an Afghan Hindu in Kabul who uses just one name, said he does not want to wear a label identifying him as Hindu. "It will make us vulnerable and degrade our position in the society," he said. But Munawaar Hasan, general secretary of a major Islamic political party in neighboring Pakistan called Jamaat-e- Islami, or Islamic Party, said the move seems aimed to give protection to Hindus. "The Taliban should win praise for this step," he said. "Providing protection to religious minorities is a must in any Islamic country and this step seems in line with this concept." The Taliban follow a harsh version of Islam that bars women from most jobs and education, and makes it mandatory for men to wear beards and pray five times a day. All forms of light entertainment, including television and music, are outlawed. The Taliban drew worldwide criticism when in March they destroyed two ancient statues of Buddha in central Bamiyan, calling it their religious duty. Most of the Islamic world, including pro-Taliban Pakistan, differ with the Taliban regime's narrow interpretation of Islam and say that it is tarnishing Islam's image. The Taliban face U.N. sanctions for giving protection to Saudi billionaire Osama bin Laden, wanted by Washington for allegedly running a global terrorist network. The Taliban deny the charge and say the United States has no evidence against him. CITATION: Jacinto, Leela "Time for Tags: Taliban Proposes Labelling Hindus in Afghanistan" ABC News 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web at http://abcnews.go.com/sections/world/DailyNews/afghanistan010522_hindu.html on 23 May 2001. STORY: The hard-line regime, which enforces its own strict interpretation of Islam, has already faced harsh criticism and international isolation for its treatment of women and, more recently, for its destruction of two giant Buddha statues dating back to the 5th century. A Taliban Foreign Ministry official told ABCNEWS.com the regime was considering a new policy that would require Afghan Hindus to wear identity tags. It would also require Hindu women to cover their faces in public like other Afghan women instead of just wearing head scarfs. In a telephone interview from Kabul, the Afghan capital, Sayed Rahmatullah Hashimi said the proposal had not been made into law yet and was still being considered. Hindus, Jews Outraged For the policy to be made official, it would have to be approved by the reclusive Taliban supreme leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. There were no details on what sort of identification Hindus would have to wear and no date had been set for implementation, Hashimi said. The proposal has been widely condemned by Hindu groups and Jews, who faced similar marginalization by the Nazis. Although Muslims form the overwhelming majority of Afghanistan's population, there are several thousand Hindus and a small Sikh minority in Afghanistan. Most minorities are traders who tend to live in close-knit pockets across the Central Asian state. While Sikh men are easily distinguishable by their unique turbans, Hashimi said that if the new policy was implemented, it would apply to the Sikh community as well. 'It's for Their Security' Hashimi said the identification of Hindus was a proposal aimed at protecting both Hindu and Muslim Afghans. "This is being considered because there are a number of items that are illegal for Afghan Muslims - like shaving their beards, watching TV and having idols at home. The same things are allowed for the Hindu community. If the Taliban asks them to wear badges, it is to be on the safe side so that Hindus can be recognized," he said. "This is not a discrimination against our Hindu brothers," he added. "It's for their security." Comprised of Afghans trained in religious schools in neighboring Pakistan along with former Islamic fighters or mujahadeen (holy warriors) who fought the Soviet occupation, the Taliban follows a narrow interpretation of Islam aimed at recreating what they call the "most pure Islamic state." But many Islamic scholars accuse the Taliban of abusing Islam's tolerant tradition for their own ends. Protests Erupt in India As news of the proposals spread, there was widespread criticism. In Hindu-dominated India, angry protesters took to the streets in the central Indian city of Bhopal, brandishing a bearded effigy of a Taliban soldier and chanting, "Taliban, die." In the capital, New Delhi, a spokesman for the Shiv Sena, a hard-line Hindu group, warned the new policy would incite violent public reactions across the subcontinent. "These are fundamentalist people, make no mistake about it," said Mukund Mody, founder of Overseas Friends of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). "I wouldn't call it a discrimination, I call it an atrocity." The Hindu right BJP currently heads a coalition government in India. Nazi Overtones For many Westerners, images of a minority population wearing identification badges on their clothing called to mind the start of the Nazi pogrom against Jews. "Oh my God, we have learned nothing from history," said Abraham H. Foxman National Director of the Anti- Defamation League and a Holocaust survivor himself. "This is going back to the Holocaust when Jews were separated with yellow stars [of David]. . That led to 6 million dead. One would hope that we had learned from history." Mody called for international condemnation of the new policy. "The world was slow to respond to Nazism then, it's even slower to respond to this now because these unfortunate people are from a different hemisphere. It's difficult to get the West to respond until the fire reaches their corridor." The practice of forcing minorities to wear distinctive clothing goes back to the Middle Ages, when Jews in several European countries were forced to wear mandated headgear and clothing to separate them from other residents. But it reached a crescendo in Nazi Germany, when policies such as identification badges gradually led to the Holocaust. For Foxman, the resonances were especially disturbing. "Back then, it was a marking for death," he said. "I hope the world will wake up. It starts with monuments, now it's marking people, what could be next?" Foxman was referring to Taliban's destruction of two giant Buddha statues in the Bamiyan province in March. The Taliban's demolition of the statues, one of which was once the world's tallest standing Buddha statue, drew harsh criticism from the international community. The statues were considered both religious symbols and archaeological treasures. Part II CITATION: Anonymous "Taliban and Emirate: Fine Rulers for an Exemplary State" Afghanistan: "Islamic Emirate"/Supporters of Shariah 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web at http://www.supportersofshariah.org/eng/taliban.html on 23 May 2001. STORY: (excerpt, italic/bold mine) This article was published by the Islamic Emirate, the official magazine of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. We are pleased to make it available on our website for your information. We have always supported the Taliban, mostly because many of us have been to Afghanistan and have seen their eforts and felt their sincerity in implementing Shari'ah. While the United States is celebrating a drop in crime to 28.8 million violent and property crimes, i.e. murder, assault, property theft, etc., the Islamic state records only a hand full of crimes since the Taliban has implemented Shari'ah there. When I was in Kabul, the calling of the prayer was announced (adhan) and merchants quickly abandoned their goods to hurry to the Mosque. When we all finished praying, there was no locks, doors, alarms or chains to fiddle with, instead each merchant resumed his position with all goods as they were left. CITATION: Anonymous "4 Top Rebel Commanders, 30 Others Killed" Farkhar: Dharb-I-M'Umin, Internet Version 2001. Retrieved from World Wide Web at http://dharb-I-mumin.com/english/index.html 23 May 2001. EXCERPT FROM STORY: The Muslim world would be further strengthened if with the mercy of Allah, Taliban succeed in their mission, while God forbid, if the rebels succeed against the Taliban, this would encourage anti-Islam forces in the world. Under this situation, every Muslim in the world is praying for the success of Taliban that would lead to peace and prosperity in Afghanistan . The success of the Taliban would enable Afghan Muslims to take part in the process of development of the country and Taliban would inform the Ummah about the blessings of Allah and real meaning of Islam by establishing an exemplary Islamic state. CITATION: Anonymous "Ufone and its Unethical Stand" Farkhar: Dharb- I-M'Umin, Internet Version 2001. Retrieved from World Wide Web at http://dharb-I-mumin.com/ english/index.html on 23 May 2001. STORY: The recently introduced cellular phone service 'Ufone' in Pakistan, has not so far changed its stand on maintaining a column of "mother's name" instead of "father's name" of the subscriber. This decision of the authorities concerned, while being against the religion of Islam and religious thoughts and beliefs of Muslims, is also against the social and cultural norms of, Pakistanis. Despite strong criticism from various quarters, the authorities who have taken this step for reasons best know to them, are not only continuing with their ulterior motive, but they have not even made their position clear on the issue. This, proves that the influential Western culture has badly infested our society and particularly a certain class of people who are unable to differentiate between right and wrong. This also shows that we have gone sunk so low as to be least bothered about our religion and traditions. Rather we avoid our culture and traditions just to show that we are civilized and this is all because we want to make our Western lords happy. The authorities concerned are urged to immediately cancel the form, carrying mother's name column, which is a definite source of making fun of the Ummah and damaging the prestige of the Muslim world. The officials concerned must also extend an apology for their unwise decision. The authorities should issue the correct forms to avoid causing unrest among the people. CITATION: Anonymous "Saudi Honour for Afghan Hajj Minister" Farkhar: Dharb-I-M'Umin, Internet Version 2001. Retrieved from World Wide Web at http://dharb-I-mumin.com/english/index.html on 23 May 2001. STORY: The Saudi government has honoured the Hajj Minister of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Maulvi Ghyasuddin Agha by awarding him an honorary shield for his remarkable performance during Hajj when he made all-out efforts in providing the best possible facilities to the Hajj pilgrims. This shield was given by the Saudi Minister for Hajj, Ayad Madani to the Afghan Hajj minister after reviewing his services rendered to the Hujjaj after consulting with Governor Makkah, Amir `Abdul Majid and Interior Minister Amir Naif Bin `Abdul `Aziz. According to reports, received from the Holy Land, remembering the services rendered by Muslim rulers and government officials, the Afghan Hajj minister was excel in serving the Hajj pilgrims. Besides making better boarding and lodging arrangements he also helped Hujjaj in carrying out their Hajj obligations. The Afghan Hajj minister even lifted the baggage of pilgrims on various occasions. This led to a decision that the Afghan minister was honoured. Taliban officials have presented such examples on various occasions that are termed as a valuable gift for the Ummah. Their role is encouraging for the Muslims and a reason of keeping the religious traditions alive. It is a live fact that if Muslims take Islam in its true sense their simple and selfless life would present an example of heaven on the earth and they would be taken as marvellous community instead of being considered as distressed. Rulers and administration, through their simplicity, sincerity and selfless service while win the favour of masses they are remembered even after their decline or stepping down from the power. If our rulers come to know this secret of remaining alive in the hearts of people they would leave no stone unturned to serve the nation without any discrimination. CITATION: Anonymous "Taliban and Emirate: Fine Rulers for an Exemplary State" Afghanistan: "Islamic Emirate"/Supporters of Shariah 2001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web at http://www.supportersofshariah.org/eng/taliban.html on 23 May 2001. STORY: (excerpt) The Taliban Islamic Movement, following its' emergence in Afghanistan, attracted the immediate attention of the international media. Quickly, all sorts of different questions arose. Up until now, most of what you have heard or read about the Taliban has been mere speculation and conjecture. Most of the world has been provided with misinformation from Zionist media, and there is no doubt that the Zionist propaganda machine has portrayed falsehood as truth, and vise-versa, with the goal of furthering their malicious designs PART III Dharb-I-M'Umin/Taliban Online http://dharb-i-mumin.com/english/index.html In their own words, "the only news paper that publishes authentic news on Afghanistan, Taliban, Islam, and Muslim world." Supporters of Shariah Honouring "the noble Taleban" Islamic Soul Survival http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/islamicsoul/survival/ default.html An illustrated survival manual: how to fight in the wilderness without getting killed. Islamic Soul Graphics http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/islamicsoul/graphics/ default.html Background graphics for your computer, including a picture of a burning city, superimposed over computer- generated images of burning Israeli and US flags. Abu Ahmed's Islamic Page http://members.tripod.com/snakefist/taliban.htm Taliban propaganda posters that look uncannily like Nazi ones.
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