January 16, 2002	Wednesday	Ziqa’ad 1, 1422

BAZARAQ (Afghanistan), Jan 15: A vivid dream by a one-legged Afghan soldier has wrought major changes at the mausoleum of slain Northern Alliance commander Ahmad Shah Masood.

On the strength of the dream, Masood’s father-in-law, Aji Tajiddin, has ordered soldiers guarding the tomb to remove all plastic flowers, coins and other items left by the thousands of mourners who visit the site daily.

The soldiers, also citing the dream, meanwhile, have decided to remove all pictures of the legendary mujahideen commander from the mausoleum.

According to Tajiddin, the one-legged soldier arrived at his house in the centre of Bazaraq about two weeks ago and claimed Masood had appeared to him in a dream.

“In the dream, Masood said he had held a shura with all leaders throughout Afghanistan,” Tajiddin said.

“The shura decided they were not happy with flowers and coins being left at the graveside and want them removed,” he added.

“Because the soldier was so genuine, we decided to take his dream seriously and obey the wishes. In the meantime, we want to consult scientists who are experts on dreams.”—AFP