Sikhs, Hindus huddle up in Kabul gurdwara
AMRITSAR: Concerned over their safety in Afghanistan, following the takeover by the Taliban, nearly 50 Hindus and 270 Sikhs have taken refuge at Kabul’s Gurdwara Karte Parwan.
“Approximately 100 Sikh families have taken refuge at the gurdwara. Though we are feeling safer here, we cannot say anything as the situation is uncertain. There are no flights for us to be evacuated out of the country but we are trying to make arrangements,” Narinder Pal Singh, a member of Parliament in Afghanistan, told HT over the phone.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, said, “I am in constant touch with the head of the Kabul gurdwara committee. We have been informed that more than 320 members of minority communities (nearly 50 Hindus and 270 Sikhs) have taken refuge in Karte Parwan Gurdwara Sahib in Kabul in wake of recent developments.”
“The Taliban leaders have met them and assured them of their safety. We are hopeful that Hindus and Sikhs would be able to live a safe life despite political churning in Afghanistan.”
Earlier in the day, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh urged External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to immediately evacuate the Indians stuck in Afghanistan.
“Urge @Drsjaishankar, MEA, GOI, to arrange for the immediate evacuation of all Indians, including around 200 Sikhs, stuck in a Gurudwara in Afghanistan after the #Taliban takeover. My govt is willing to extend any help needed to ensure their safe evacuation. @Meaindia,” tweeted the Chief Minister.
Puneet Singh Chandok, president of the Indian World Forum, “We are in constant touch with the ministry of external affairs (MEA), Air India and some international agencies for early evacuation of Indians and Indian-origin people from Afghanistan.”
Meanwhile, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India is also in touch with representatives of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and will facilitate the repatriation of those who wish to leave that country. “...The government will take all steps to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and our interests in Afghanistan,” Bagchi said.