Since the transfer of Bagram military prison from US to Afghan control in March, reportedly thousands of prisons who were caught for having somehow links to Taliban and other terror groups have been released by the government. Indeed, it was one of the main concerns of the US authorities before and at the time of the transfer. Although they were reluctant to transfer the Bagarm facility, President Hamid Karzai had demanded it for certain times both secretly and before the public. The releases take place at times when the Afghan security forces and intelligence cannot track down where the prisoners go after being released.

Unsurprisingly, the released insurgents have been found joining back the ranks of Taliban. Some of them get re-arrested or killed in clashes between Taliban and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Released Taliban are the ones who are violent and have more hatred in their hearts against the US and Afghan government due to the severe condition and mistreatments they might have faced inside the jails.

As the date on which most of the US-led NATO forces will be going home nears, Taliban are expanding their operations across Afghanistan and terror attacks take place in the country more than ever before. Expanding terror activities would not be possible for Taliban without recruiting more fighters. Now a part of their need gets fulfilled through the thousands insurgents who have been released by the Afghan authorities over the past months.

Release of insurgents might also mean adding to the number of suicide bombers the Taliban are preparing for attacks in various parts of the country. The Taliban would definitely try to use their released fellows as they are already trained. For such attacks, the Afghan government will be responsible.

Prisoners have been released by the Karzai administration so that confidence can be built between the government and Taliban and discussion between them over peace in Afghanistan can take place. As can be seen no confidence is being built. Contrarily, Taliban’s insurgency is getting more momentum with the passage of each day.

Now the government must evaluate the positive and negative outcomes of releasing Taliban-linked individuals from the prisoners of Afghanistan. If it has helped peace talks with Taliban, the process must continue. However, if the released insurgents have rejoined the Taliban and have added in instability in the country, which is obvious, the process must be stopped immediately.