Thousands of Afghans protest against Taliban in Kandahar

Sept 14 Reuters - Thousands of Afghans protested against the Taliban in the local city Kandahar on Tuesday, according to a former government official and southern television footage, after residents were asked to leave a southern army colony.

Protesters gathered in front of the governor's house in Kandahar after around 3,000 families were asked to leave the colony, according to the former government official who witnessed the crowds.

Footage from local media showed crowds of people blocking a road in the city.

The affected area is primarily occupied by the families of retired army generals and other members of the Afghan security forces.

The families, some of whom lived in the District almost 30 years, had two days to vacate, the official, who had spoken to some affected, said.

Taliban spokesmen did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the evictions.

Sporadic protests against the Taliban, which took power in Kabul almost a month ago with the capture of Afghanistan, have ended in frequently deadly clashes although there were no confirmed reports of violence on Tuesday.

Taliban leaders have vowed to investigate any instances of abuse, but have ordered demonstrators to seek permission before holding protests. The UN said on Friday that Pakistan's response to violent demonstrations was becoming more peaceful.