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‘Fulfill my demands, and I will provide food aid,’ threatens a Taliban fighter
Zakia* authored this report for the Zan Times, translated into English by Rustam Seerat.
It had been two months since my husband had come home, and we had run out of food. So, a few days ago, I locked the room where my children were and left home to buy groceries. A Taliban fighter looked at me creepily when I reached the market. I thought that he was looking at me because I was without a mahram (close male relative). I needed to get away from him as quickly as possible. As I bought flour, oil, and sugar, I wrapped my chador tightly around myself and then headed home, taking long strides.
I heard footsteps behind me. The faster I walked, the quicker he followed. He called out for me when I reached a crossroads. I had to stop. I was so scared that I couldn’t understand what he asked. “Do you know any poor people here?” he repeated. “We’re here for food aid and cash. We want some names.” I sighed in relief and thanked God that he didn’t inquire about my absent male companion. “Yes, there are many poor people here. We are also poor and in need. Please write our name on the list, too,” I responded. “Give me your phone number so that we can contact you whenever assistance comes,” he said. Without thinking about his intentions, I gave…
