Artefacts and dust from the vicinity of Bamyan’s demolished Buddha statues were reportedly confiscated at the Bamyan Airport while searching for foreign nationals…reports Asian Lite News
As illegal businesses remain popular in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule, the de-facto authorities have ordered to seize the artefacts found in Bamyan province, reported Khaama Press on Wednesday.
Although Taliban leaders constantly asserted that they had stopped exporting these priceless antiques, the profitable clandestine trade is still well-liked in Afghanistan and the surrounding area. At least 12 antique artefacts have been found by officials in Afghanistan’s central Bamyan province, according to a statement from the provincial information and culture directorate, reported Khaama Press.
Artefacts and dust from the vicinity of Bamyan’s demolished Buddha statues were reportedly confiscated at the Bamyan Airport while searching for foreign nationals, the Afghan news agency added.
The artefacts and ancient items have been seized based on the orders of the Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture, Rahmatullah Rahmani, head of culture and art of Bamyan information and culture directorate, said.
The destruction of Bamyan Buddha statues was carried out in stages. Initially, the statues were fired at for several days using anti-aircraft guns and artillery. This caused severe damage, but did not obliterate them.
Later, the Taliban placed anti-tank mines at the bottom of the niches, so that when fragments of rock broke off from artillery fire, the statues would receive additional destruction from particles that set off the mines.
In the end, the Taliban lowered men down the cliff face and placed explosives into holes in the Buddhas. After one of the explosions failed to obliterate the face of one of the Buddhas, a rocket was launched that left a hole in the remains of the stone head.
Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021 after the US exit from the country, the citizens of Afghanistan continue to live miserable lives as basic law and order of the country.
According to the Taliban officials, of the objects found, 8 are antique artworks like pottery, precious stones, and carved iron plates. (ANI)