Afghans reopen road despite threat to heritage site

HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Hundreds of Afghans forcibly reopened a road in the western city of Herat on Wednesday that had been shut to protect a 15th century heritage site after a promised alternate route was not provided.

The Musallah complex in the western city of Herat was built during the Timurid empire founded by the legendary conqueror Tamerlane and today consists of six minarets and two domed chambers.

A century ago, more than a dozen minarets stood but most have toppled during decades of war and neglect. This year the road passing by the minarets was shut because traffic vibrations threatened their foundations.

"The central government promised to build an alternative road for the traffic but they failed," provincial governor Sayed Hussain Anwari told Reuters.

"The residents had to reopen the road because it was creating a huge traffic jam for them everyday," he said.

Hundreds of people gathered near the road, removed the barriers and began driving through.

The Ministry of Information and Culture in Kabul issued a statement condemning the reopening.

"The Ministry of Information and Culture strongly condemns this act and asks for the help of the noble people of Herat and the Interior Ministry and other local administrations and provincial officials to close this road promptly," it said.

Five of the camel-coloured, mud brick minarets tower more than 30 metres (98 ft) above the ground and were once sheathed in sparkling blue, green, black and white mosaic tiles. Only the stump of a sixth minaret remains.