The Taliban continues to tighten its grip on Afghanistan, turning the country into a very dangerous place for women once again. After the latest coup, the Taliban is now in power. According to the sources, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, one of the 7 most powerful leaders of the Taliban, was once a Gentleman Cadet at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Stanikzai, 60, was named 'Sheru' by his 1982 batch mates of the IMA.
His mates from that batch of IMA tell that Stanikzai was of strong body and was not very tall. Apart from this, he was also not of fanatical religious views. Stanikzai was 20 years old when he joined the IMA with 45 Gentlemen Cadets in the Karen Company of Bhagat Battalion. Retired Major General DA Chaturvedi was his batchmate. He says, "Everybody liked him. He looked a little older than the other cadets of the academy. Stanikzai had a thick mustache. At that time his views were not fanatical. He was just like an average Afghan cadet who was happy to be here." Retired Major General Chaturvedi is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Sena Medal.
Let us inform you that since independence, foreign cadets have been getting admission to IMA. Afghan cadets were getting this facility since 1971 after the Indo-Pak war. Stanikzai was the direct recruit of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. Retired Colonel Kesar Singh Shekhawat said, 'He was a common youth. I remember once we went to Rishikesh to take bath in the Ganga. There is a photo from that day in which Sheru is wearing IMA's swimming costume. He was of a very friendly nature. We used to go for a walk in the forests and mountains on weekends.
He completed pre-commission training in IMA in one and half years. He then joined the Afghan National Army as a lieutenant. Shortly before this, Soviet Russia had occupied Afghanistan.
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