Taliban people flocked to amusement parks in Afghan cities after taking power in August.
Kabul:
Taliban members will no longer be allowed to carry their weapons in amusement parks in Afghanistan, the group’s spokesman said on Wednesday, in what appears to be another attempt by the country’s new rulers to soften its image.
Taliban men, many of whom have spent most of their lives in a 20-year insurgency against the US-backed government, flocked to amusement parks in Afghan cities and towns after taking power in August.
Taliban’s chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter: “Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are not allowed to enter the amusement park with weapons, military uniforms and vehicles.”
“(They) are bound to comply with all the rules and regulations of the amusement park.”
The Taliban, who did not compromise and often earned a reputation as ruthless enforcers of their tough ways, then ruled between 1996 and 2001.
But since taking office in August, he has tried to present a more liberal face to his fellow Afghans and the wider world, as an interim cabinet grapples with an impending humanitarian crisis.
Special attractions for Taliban members were one of the largest amusement parks in Kabul and a waterside park at the Loom Reservoir on the city’s western outskirts.
Taliban men holding automatic rifles queue for a ride to the carousel and the swaying pirate ship – regular visitors watch in bewilderment.
By the time the Taliban had captured the capital on 15 August, most Reuters members had not traveled to Kabul, and some were eager to visit the amusement park before returning to duties across the country.
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