It has been over four months since the arrest of Mutiullah Wesa, an impassioned education activist in Afghanistan, by the Taliban government. Despite numerous national and international appeals for his release, there remains no indication of his liberation.
Years before the Taliban’s rule, Mutiullah Wesa fervently toiled to ensure equitable education access, enhance its quality, revive shuttered schools, and expose educational corruption and falsehoods. He traversed villages, establishing libraries and disseminating pens, books, and pamphlets to remote corners. In essence, he made a solemn commitment to combat ignorance and illuminate minds.
With the advent of the Taliban government and the promise of security, expectations surged that schools would reopen in war-torn regions and ushering in thousands of new schools. Sadly, the government’s initial actions targeted girls’ schools, reinforcing suspicions of their aversion to modern education, especially for girls. Not only did they seal schools, but they also sought to silence education proponents. Tragically, Mutiullah Wesa fell victim to this restrictive policy. His detention underscores the Taliban government’s apprehension toward the populace’s yearning for education, knowledge, freedom, and justice.
Should the animosity toward education persist and advocates for knowledge and the pen remain targeted, our suspicion may inevitably transform into certainty: these acts are not the handiwork of Afghanistan’s sons and daughters but orchestrated by foes of the homeland. If this realization solidifies, that foreign adversaries endeavor to undermine our nation and its interests under a different guise, the destiny of foreign oppressors on our soil becomes unequivocally clear.
We call on the Taliban government, if the above suspicions are not correct, then for the wrong decisions of a few they should not sacrifice the golden chances of peace, security, education and development in Afghanistan and open girls’ schools as soon as possible. Educational activities and individuals who have illuminated our darkness with the light of education and the pen merit not only swift release, their resolute commitment and selfless deeds should be acknowledged and upheld, celebrating them as genuine servants of our nation who deserve unwavering support.
Standing united in hope,
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