Three people were shot dead at a wedding in Afghanistan after gunmen claiming to be from the Taliban demanded music was stopped.
The horrifying massacre was said to have happened on Friday and two of the three shooters were arrested.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the men had acted on their behalf but confirmed the arrests.
On Saturday he said: “Last night, at the wedding of Haji Malang Jan in Shamspur Mar Ghundi village of Nangarhar, three people who introduced themselves as Taliban entered the proceedings and [asked] that the music stop playing.
“As a result of firing, at least three people have been killed and several others have been injured.
“Two suspects have been taken into custody by the Taliban in connection with the incident and one who escaped is still being pursued.
“The perpetrators of the incident caught, who have used the name of the Islamic Emirate to carry out their personal feud, have been handed over to face Sharia law.”
An eyewitness told the BBC that four couples were being married in a joint wedding when the massacre took place.
They were said to have taken permission from a local Taliban leader to play recorded music in an area that was used only by women.
But late at night, the gunmen were said to have forced their way inside before attempting to smash the loudspeakers. After the guests protested, the armed men reportedly opened fire.
NBC News reports that one of the Sarkharod residents had said the gunmen were 'harsh in their arguments with the family holding a marriage ceremony and local residents.'
They said: "Their arguments led to an armed clash", adding that the gunmen 'opened fire and killed three people and injured 10 others.'
Music was banned during the Taliban's previous rule in Afghanistan but the new government has not yet issued the same order.
