Amid reports of protests in Afghanistan, the Taliban asked Afghan Imams to promote unity and ask people not to leave the country during Friday's prayers.

In a message to the Imams, the Taliban said to "encourage our compatriots to work for the development of the country, and not to try to leave the country" and answer "the negative propaganda of the enemy."

Thursday marked the day Afghanistan celebrates its independence from British rule, which happened in 1919. Al Jazeera reported that anti-Taliban protests spread to more cities, and some demonstrators were carrying the Afghan national flag.

Witnesses told Al Jazeera that at least two people died in the city of Asadabad in the eastern province of Kunar after the Taliban fired shots towards the crowd, although it's not clear if the people died from gunfire or a stampede. Protests and Taliban gunfire were also reported in Kabul, but no casualties were reported.