Taleban defends Hindu tag

These Hindu temples in Kabul were destroyed in the war

By Kate Clark in Islamabad

Afghanistan's ruling Taleban have given their first public explanation of a new order forcing Hindus to identify themselves by wearing yellow badges.

Mullah Za'eff said non-Muslims had full rights

The Taleban ambassador to Pakistan, Mullah Za'eff, said forcing non-Muslims to wear distinguishing clothing was nothing new but a part of Islamic tradition.

He was unable to provide a reference in the Koran or sayings of the prophet but said such rules were common in books of Islamic law.

The ambassador repeated the Taleban's assertion that the yellow badges are intended to protect Hindus so that, for example, they will not be forced to pray at a mosque by mistake.

Not yet law

He declined to say whether they would be punished for not wearing the badges. But he did confirm that Hindu and Sikh women will not be forced to cover their faces as Muslim women are.

The new ruling has been condemned by many governments and human rights organisations. It has been compared to the Nazis forcing Jews to wear yellow stars.

Sikhs' distinctive headgear exempts them from tags

But Mullah Za'eff said non-Muslims enjoyed full rights under the Taleban government. For example, a Muslim thief, whether he stole from Muslims or from Hindus, would receive the same punishment - the amputation of his hand.

The ambassador said wearing an identifying mark was the right of a non-Muslim under an Islamic government. This ruling is not yet law.

The ambassador said the idea for the yellow badges originated with the Taleban religious police who have presented it to the Islamic court for a ruling. Only then would the Taleban supreme leader sign it into law.