Ordeal of Saddam who spent 6 hours in Taliban custody

Saddam, a resident of Saghari village in Aurai block of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, recalls the six hours he spent in Taliban custody before being able to leave Kabul.

Muzaffarpur (Bihar): After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital Kabul, it was only because of the government's initiatives that Indian citizens could reach home after much difficulty. However, many of them would also remember the moments of fear they spent in Taliban custody. Saddam of Aurai in Muzaffarpur is one such person.

Saddam returned home after having spent six hours in Taliban custody, a time he says he will always remember. A resident of Saghari village in Aurai block, he was was working in a construction company in Kabul for the past one year. He was to return to Delhi from Kabul August 19, but before his return home, the Taliban captured the Afghan capital August 15. He got stuck there sparking concerns among his family members back home.

“I somehow reached Kabul airport with great difficulty,” Saddam said. “Taliban fighters took me into their custody even before I entered the airport. I was in Taliban custody for about six hours. After talking to the Indian Embassy personnel, I was sent to the airport by bus. From there it was possible to return home August 22 by an Indian Air Force aircraft.”

Stating that he faced a lot of trouble getting out of Kabul, he said that while the airport was controlled by American troops, Taliban fighters were present outside.

“Due to the initiative of the Indian government, I was able to return home. There was nothing in the air against Indian people,” Saddam said “People had taken us to an office where everyone was made to sit. Our names and passport numbers were taken. After that, I don't know what did the Taliban people discuss with the Indian government. We were kept for six hours and then released. We were in six-seven buses and were taken to the airport. Food and drinks were also served to us.”

The family members of Saddam are a relieved lot now. According to the guidelines of the Government of India, after Saddam reached Aurai, health department officials examined him and he was also given polio vaccine.