On its Independence day, Afghans protest on streets with national flag, Taliban retaliates - In Pics

On its Independence Day, Afghans took to the streets holding the country's national flag in protest demanding the flag be put atop official buildings. On Wednesday, residents in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar and Khost publicly rallied under the Afghan national flag, local media reported.

See pics

Incidents of violence has been reported due to clashes between Taliban members and protesters from Nangarhar and Khost provinces. 

"Hundreds of people came out on the streets," Salim told Reuters. "At first I was scared and didn`t want to go but when I saw one of my neighbours joined in I took out the flag I have at home."

The Afghan national flag is no longer in use since the Taliban overtook Kabul city. After taking control, the Taliban replaced Afghanistan`s national flag in some parts of the country with its own white flag. The Taliban have stated that they will decide on the national flag issue.

Incidentally, on August 19 Afghanistan commemorates the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 that ended British rule in nation effectively giving Afghanistan its independence from British control.