Mullah Omar declared dead by Islamic Emirate (Image Reuters)

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate has released a statement in Pashto saying that Mullah Omar, spiritual leader of the Taliban is allegedly deceased. According to the Taliban’s Political Office Mullah Omar passed away 2 years ago on 23-04-2013 in southern Afghanistan. This was a surprising announcement given that yesterday Shawal Times contacted Zabihullah and was informed that Mullah Omar was still alive, see following link,

“Afghanistan: Mullah Omar said to be alive as Taliban spokesperson denies rumours of his death to Shawal Times”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/07/29/afghanistan-mullah-omar-said-to-be-alive-as-taliban-spokesperson-denies-rumours-of-his-death-to-shawal-times/

Although some media spoke of his demise yesterday, a statement was needed to end speculation as the Taliban shura was said to have convened and an announcement of Mullah Omar’s replacement was expected. It was beginning to look awkward for Islamic Emirate as the “Leader of the Faithful” had not yet been officially declared dead yet. The news eventually came through as follows,

Amir ul Mumineen, Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid (RA), has passed away. Official announcement in Pashto which can be read here,

http://justpaste.it/mosg

Abdulqahar Balkhi an English speaking affiliate to Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted,

Words of eulogy cannot do justice to this valiant Muslim leader (RA) who became a shield for the oppressed and raised the banner of Islam

His successor (HA) & soldiers have pledged to continue Jihad so long as they live, until Shariah rules & all criminals are punished

The following is a translation of Islamic Emirate statement detailing the main points via Ansaar Emirate

1) The family of Ameerul Mominin Mulla Omar رح confirms his death. It was due to illness. (But he is a Martyr. since, he was waging Jihad).

(2) #Taliban : A.M. Mulla Omar رح was a sincere leader of Muslim Ummah, he raised & protected the banner of Monotheism in time of difficulty

(3) #Taliban: The #IslamicEmirate is the Amaanah (Trust) left by Amirul Mo’minin رح. We will run/protect it just like he ran it with Shariah

(4) #Taliban : We’ll be sincere, steadfast, hopeful patient & sacrifice our lives for the truth just like our Emir A.M. Mulla Omar رح.

(5) #Taliban : Since 14 years, not even once A.M Mulla Omar رح stepped out of #Afghanistan after #US led Crusade attacked #IslamicEmirate.

(6) #Taliban : A.M. Mulla Omar رح led the #IslamicEmirate from within #Afghanistan. He had never gone to #Pakistan or any other country.

(7) #Taliban : Ameer-ul-Mo’minin Mulla Omar رح was physically a man. But in reality he is an Ideology.

(8) #Taliban : whoever wants to be faithful to A.M. Mulla Omar رح, he should stick with the #IslamicEmirate & fight for Islamic cause.

(9) #Taliban: To return Islamic System, it is incumbent upon Muslims to do their part to strengthen, unify & give victory to #IslamicEmirate

(10) #Taliban: We assure the Muslims & Mujahidin that Mulla Omar رح have inherited us the #IslamicEmirate with more strength then before

(11) #Taliban : We appeal to all Muslims, Ulema, Imam, Jihadi figures & governors of #IslamicEmirate to make dua for A.M. Mulla Omar رح

(12) A.M. Mulla Omar رح son Maulvi Yaqoob & maternal brother Mulla Abdul Mannan also appeal Muslim forgive him they owe any thing him.

(13) To the Muslims & Mujahidin we say have patience. Shura of #IslamicEmirate

Who could take over from Mullah Omar?

“Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansur is from Band-i-Timor, Maiwand, Kandahar. He fought in 80s jihad in Taliban fronts “… Anand Gopal

Mullah Akhtar Mansour, Mullah Omar’s deputy, could allegedly take over according to Taliban sources though some would have preferred Mullah Omar’s son, Yaqoob, (26) to succeed him. However official announcements are still to be made. DAWN media states,

“Mullah Mansoor, a former aviation minister in the Taliban regime and a former shadow governor of Kandahar, has long been known for his moderate views on reconciliation which have pitted him against hardliners.

He was one of the top Taliban leaders whose accounts the US had frozen as a result of the 9/11 attacks.”

Siraj Haqqani, (Haqqani network) is considered as a likely deputy to Mansour.

The following is a tribute written by “AH” (name withheld) on hearing of the death of Mullah Omar 

Our eyes shed tears as our brothers are picked..

From amongst the righteous they are chosen..

As the farmer picks the fruits of the trees when they are ripe..