On Monday, the Taliban denied information doing rounds on social media that it would join Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir. It clarified that Kashmir is India’s internal matter and that the group does not support Pakistani style of “Ghazwa-e-Hindi” or “Holy War” against India.
Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as the Taliban’s political wing calls itself, said in a tweet that the statement circulated in certain media regarding India does not belong to the Islamic Emirate and that the policy of Islamic Emirate regarding neighbour states is clear about not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. The group also added that it sees a positive role for India for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan.
The clarification came after fake tweets attributing to Suhail Shaheen and Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid were spread on social media saying “friendship between Islamic Emirate and India is impossible” and further added that the “Islamic Emirate will capture Kashmir from infidels.”
By coming out with this statement, the Taliban has refused to buy into Pakistan’s propaganda on Muslims and Kashmir in India.
However, Af-Pak observers have said that the group is not a monolithic body and has people holding different beliefs. The group also has linkages with Pakistan’s deep state. They point out that one should not be surprised if it changes its stance under pressure from Pakistan.