Kulgam, Sep 08: Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday said that the Taliban was a reality in Afghanistan and that they must re-build their image by following Islamic principles in a true sense that should entail protection of women’s rights.

“Taliban has now become a reality; they should ensure that their earlier image which is against humanity and basic rights is done away with. They should follow the real Sharia rules which include women rights. Only then can they have good relations with other countries,” Mehbooba told reporters on the side-lines of a party function at Akhran village in the southern district of Kulgam. She, however, said that “If Taliban continues to do what they did in the 90s, then it will be difficult not only for Afghanistan and the world can’t make relations with them.”

She evaded the query on how she sees the reports about appointment of jailed Masrat Alam as new Hurriyat Conference chief stating that “it was Hurriyat’s internal matter and she can’t comment on this.” kno