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KABUL: Radio Keshm, a local channel in the remote mountainous province of Badakhshan in the northeast is one of 20 broadcasters which had to stop activities when the area it locates in the district of Keshm fell to Taliban recently.
Noor Aqa Noori, the in charge of the radio, called security problems as the only reason they stopped broadcasting.
“The government opposition attacked the area and the area is still under Taliban control. We stopped broadcasting to prevent any probable damages. I personally called to Taliban officials and told them that we are a local radio. They said that we need to stop activities until they issue order how we should work,” Noori said Sunday.
The Radio Keshm started broadcastings in 2008 and had launched news, educational and entertainment programs for 14 hours a day.
All the personnel of the radio have gone on leave due to security problems, according to Noori.
Meanwhile, Rezwanullah Nezami, in charge of Radio Baharestan, another local channel in Badakhshan also says their activities stopped due to insecurity.
“Unfortunately, 20 radio stations have stopped broadcasting in the northern provinces as war has intensified. We are worried about the closure of more media outlets as the war is intensifying,” said Mojib Khalwatgar, head of NAI media supporting agency.
Another radio station named Darman, was closed in Jawzjan province in the north. The radio located in the Aqcha district where Taliban are controlling.
Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, said Sunday that their fighters made no restrictions on radio channels and they can work freely.
Taliban have recently managed to gain more ground in different provinces after government forces had to retreat in this month.
