The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan, with deep sorrow and regret, commemorates one of the most bitter and catastrophic events in Afghanistan’s modern history—an atrocity that, in the month of Asad 1378 (August 1999), was committed by the army of the tyrannical Taliban group and their terrorist allies such as al-Qaeda, against the noble and free people of Greater Northern Afghanistan.
In that scorching month, just as the sun blazes with all its intensity, the flames of the Taliban’s anger and revenge fell upon the lives of humans, the trees, vineyards, homes, and memories of the northern people. Those who stood like an iron fortress—men and women, old and young—against terror, were assaulted in the most brutal ways. Yet, the spirit of resistance and yearning for freedom did not die; rather, that very fire of oppression sowed the seeds of awareness, determination, and perseverance in the hearts of this nation.
The resistance of the people of Greater North was not merely a military reaction—it symbolized the awakening and consciousness of a nation that refused to bow before ignorance, tyranny, and the dark, medieval mindset. The outcome of that resilience was the birth of a generation that pursued education and knowledge with hope and motivation, who worked, who thought, and who began envisioning plans and ideals for a progressive, prosperous, and free Afghanistan.
Regrettably, in recent years, hidden circles of betrayal within the structure of the Republic, through appeasement, collusion, and disgraceful submission, paved the way for the return of the Taliban group. As a result of this blatant betrayal and structural collusion, the country was once again handed over to the dominance of an absolutist, regressive, and violent group. Even today, the Taliban continue to take vengeful and systematic revenge on the people of Afghanistan—especially women, youth, various ethnic groups, and justice-seeking movements.
Despite all of this, the flame of awareness and the struggle for freedom has not been extinguished. Today, the message of resistance and justice-seeking from the northern people echoes in the hearts and minds of all the youth of the country—a generation that, over two decades of the Republic, has reached intellectual and social maturity despite numerous challenges. This awakened generation knows that the only path to liberation from oppression and backwardness is through national solidarity, overcoming ethnic and linguistic divisions, and walking the path of resistance, justice, and progress.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan, while honoring the memory of the innocent victims of the Greater Northern catastrophe, emphasizes the continuation of their path toward justice, human rights, gender equality, education, freedom of expression, and democratic structures. We call upon the international community not to remain silent in the face of historic atrocities and the ongoing oppression and crimes against the Afghan people, but to hear and support the voice of the freedom-seekers of this land.