Religious scholars call for unity as tensions ease in Herat following protest

Religious scholars, community elders, and youth representatives gathered in Afghanistan’s western Herat province to express support for the Islamic government and emphasize the importance of national unity, security, and social harmony.

Participants at the gathering stressed that recent incidents should not become a source of division or tension among the public, underscoring the need to preserve peace and public order.

The meeting followed a recent protest by a group of young people in Herat’s 13th district against newly enforced restrictions related to Islamic dress regulations. Security forces later intervened and dispersed the demonstration.

Several attendees said public gatherings and protests could disrupt stability, arguing that security institutions have a responsibility to maintain order and prevent unrest.

Religious scholars speaking at the event warned that actions perceived as challenging public order could negatively affect security and social stability. They encouraged young people to communicate concerns through elders and community leaders to facilitate dialogue with authorities.

At the same time, some participants called for a more measured approach toward youth concerns, urging officials and community elders to listen to grievances and address them through constructive engagement. They cautioned that harsh responses could heighten social sensitivities and advocated for greater reliance on guidance and counseling in the implementation of Islamic dress regulations.

Following the protest, numerous videos circulated on social media. However, some sources claimed that several of the widely shared clips had been manipulated using artificial intelligence technologies.

Herat police said no incidents of violence were recorded during the protest and stated that some images circulating online were misleading or digitally altered.

Security officials confirmed that the situation in Herat remains calm, adding that security forces continue to maintain a presence in the area to prevent further disturbances.