Mining in Takhar: Hanfi’s Promises and Continued Public Discontent.
The Taliban’s intelligence agency in Takhar province has recently launched a new wave of arrests targeting protesters in Chah-Ab district opposing gold mining companies.
According to local sources, at least two individuals, including Obaidullah, the elder of the village of Kamar Baloch, were detained yesterday, January 19, 2026, sparking widespread fear and concern across the Chah-Ab area.
Sources added that the families of the detainees have completely lost contact with them.
These developments coincided with the resumption of gold mining operations in Chah-Ab.
Local sources reported that after changes in the local administrative structure and the appointment of a new deputy governor of Takhar, excavation operations resumed in collaboration with contracted companies under strict security measures, while public protests and opposition especially from local youths were suppressed.
Witnesses stated that security forces have blocked all civil demonstrations and warned village elders that harsher measures would follow if protests continued.
In response to earlier protests, which had led to the deaths of several demonstrators, Taliban officials have spoken of addressing public demands.
Abdul Salam Hanfi, Administrative Deputy to the Prime Minister, met with religious leaders and elders in Chah-Ab and promised to review their requests.
Nevertheless, local residents continue to voice concerns over the impact of mining, including damage to agricultural land, limited access to water resources, rising insecurity, economic pressure, and a lack of transparency regarding mining revenues and their allocation.
