KABUL - After reports of rifts within the Taliban leadership over the appointment of Mullah Mohammad Mansour as the Emir of the group, Mullah Abdul Hai Mutmain, a senior Taliban political advisor and former spokesman for Mullah Mohammad Omar has made it clear that the decision is not going to be reversed.

Mullah Abdul Hai Mutmain has told Pakistan’s The Express Tribune news that Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour was elected by a clear majority of the leaders and that he is not going to be removed from the position if a few figures oppose him adding that the opposition is aimed at sabotaging system.

 “The ‘Amirul Momineen’ (leader of the faithful) has been elected with a clear majority at a very sensitive time, and opposition to his election is aimed at sabotaging the system as there is no possible alternative,

“The opinion of Mujahideen and those who had an active role during the resistance and are uninfluenced is credible and they are united on the election [of Mullah Mansoor]. A few people who have been misled by someone will oppose the new leader,” he is quoted by The Express Tribune as saying.

He has also said that Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour was leading the Taliban for years and the death of Mullah Omar was kept secret in order to avoid problems. (KP)