Islamabad: Afghan religious scholars have warned Taliban supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansour that if he does not authorise them soon to settle differences over his 'election' as Mullah Omar's successor they will do "whatever they want".
The warning for Mullah Mansour to respond has been given by a council of religious clerics formed to resolve the rift among the Taliban leaders, The Express Tribune reported.
The clerics had started their mediation efforts after some Taliban leaders, including Mullah Omar's family, objected to Mullah Mansour's election and refused to swear allegiance to him. Mullah Mansour was unwilling to meet the clerics. However, he agreed to receive them but refused to empower them to make any decision on his election, the report said.
"All opposition sides had authorised the religious scholars to broker a way out. Later, the clerics met Mullah Akhtar Mansour and asked for his authorisation. But he made it conditional with consultations with his colleagues. Enough time has passed but they have not responded," head of the Ulema delegation Maulvi Ahmad Rabbani was quoted as saying by the daily.
"After a long wait, the clerics have decided that Akhtar Mansour and his colleagues should respond to the Ulema within two or three days. The Ulema will make their decision if they do not come up with their response. They will do whatever they want," Rabbani said.
Maulvi Rabbani warned of infighting if Mullah Mansour and his opponents failed to settle their differences. The remarks coincided with clashes between supporters of Mullah Mansour and fighters loyal to a senior Taliban commander, Mansoor Dadullah, in southern Zabul province.
Dadullah has rejected Mullah Mansour's nomination and threw his weight behind Mullah Omar's family. Dadullah said last week that he wanted the clerics to quickly announce their decision as tensions are fast growing in parts of Afghanistan among the Taliban.
"The results of the infighting will be so disastrous that no one will even have its compensation," Maulvi Rabbani said.
Mullah Omar led the Taliban for about 20 years. His death was confirmed by the Taliban last month. After the announcement, a dispute erupted over the group's leadership following the 'election' of Mullah Mansour as the successor to Mullah Omar. The Taliban also published a biography yesterday of Mansour in a clear attempt by his backers to shore up support for him.
