Opposition critical of Taliban

Islamabad - The Afghan opposition alliance yesterday joined an international chorus of condemnation of the Taliban for ordering…

Islamabad - The Afghan opposition alliance yesterday joined an international chorus of condemnation of the Taliban for ordering the country's Hindu minority to wear yellow badges to identify themselves.

"We protest against this and condemn it strongly. Islamic laws have given freedom to the religious minorities and that should be observed," Mr Mohammad Asim Sohail, an anti-Taliban spokesman, said by a satellite phone from an opposition enclave in the north-east of the country.

Mr Sohail said the order was part of a move initiated by the Taliban's supporter, Pakistan, in order to fan religious hatred and discord in Afghanistan and its arch-rival India, where Hindus are a majority.