Taliban gunmen open fire at Afghan wedding to stop music, 2 persons killed and 10 injured

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Gunmen who claimed to be Taliban fighters opened fire on a wedding party in eastern Afghanistan to stop music being played, killing at least two people and injuring 10 others, according to a <em>BBC</em> report.</p>
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A Taliban spokesman said two of the three gunmen had been arrested but denied they had acted on behalf of the Islamist movement.</p>
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Music was banned when the Taliban ruled the country from 1996 to 2001, but no specific order has been issued by the current regime until now.</p>
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An eyewitness told the BBC that four couples were being married in a joint wedding in Surkh Rod district in the province of Nangarhar on Friday.</p>
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They had taken permission from a local Taliban leader to play recorded music in an area used only by the women.</p>
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But late at night, the gunmen forced their way inside and tried to smash the loudspeakers. When the guests protested, the armed men opened fire.</p>
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Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the case was under investigation.</p>
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The Islamic State group, which is a bitter rival of the Taliban and has been launching terror attacks to destabilise the new regime, is also active in Nangarhar and has been blamed for similar incidents in the past.</p>
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Although the Taliban have been trying to project a more moderate image as it seeks international recognition as it desperately needs foreign aid, the ground reality is that it is still an Islamic hardline regime.</p>
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Since the Taliban returned to power attacks have taken place on folk singers and musical groups. Many singers and musicians have fled Afghanistan.</p>