AFP reporter confirms Bamiyan Buddha plunder

BAMIYAN: Afghanistan’s ancient Bamiyan Buddhas have been almost completely destroyed by the Taliban, an AFP reporter saw today in the first independent account of the iconoclasm. Nothing remains of the larger 55-metre Buddha while only the right shoulder and part of the robe of the smaller 38-metre figure is left.

Today was the first time journalists had been allowed to visit Bamiyan since the figures were demolished more than two weeks ago. Earlier footage of their destruction was supplied by the Islamic militia. Bamiyan city, the scene of heavy fighting recently, appeared deserted apart from Taliban soldiers, although a couple of civilians could be seen working on a farm near what is left of the Buddhas.

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.