Taliban outfit fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops in Afghanistan supported demonstrations over Quran burning in the United States, a statement of the outfit sent to media on Wednesday said.

"It was a clear violation of the belief of 1.5 billion inhabitants (Muslims) of the world and should have called for a harsh punishment for the perpetrators," the statement said.

The statement added that "the Afghan people in the last few days showed that they would never remain indifferent as regards their sacrosanct but are ready to offer every sacrifice in their defense."

Issued by Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the name of the ousted Taliban regime, the statement stated, "The Islamic enthusiasm, ideological conscience and resurgence shown by the Afghan people, as a matter of pride and satisfaction and commends the efforts made and the sacrifices offered in the cause of the Holy Quran."

In the demonstrations staged in several Afghan cities including the capital city Kabul since April 1, according to officials, 22 people including seven staff of United Nations have been killed and 143 others including a UN employee sustained injuries.

Some officials including the government of northern Balkh province Atta Mohammad Noor and head of Kandahar's Provincial Council Ahmad Wali Karzai have not ruled out the involvement of Taliban militants, saying the insurgents have exploited the situation to destabilize security.