11 Afghan Hindus, Sikhs enter India

New Delhi: Afghan Sikh N.S. Sachdeva, who was released from the captivity of Taliban on July 18, was among 11 members belonging to the Sikh and Hindu minority community of Afghanistan who entered India on Sunday. These 11 persons are expected to be given Indian citizenship under the newly-enacted CAA.

Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh Sachdeva, who was released from the captivity of Taliban on July 18, was among eleven members belonging to the Sikh and Hindu minority community of Afghanistan who entered India on Sunday.

The ministry of external affairs said that India has granted “appropriate visa” and facilitated their travel to India. “We appreciate the efforts of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in extending necessary support for the safe return of these families,” MEA said in a statement on Sunday.

These 11 persons are expected to be given Indian citizenship under the newly enacted Citizenship Amendment Act. Sachdeva was abducted from a gurudwara in Afghanistan’s Cham-kani district of Paktia province on June 22. The Indian government had last week had conveyed that all such persons who wish to return to India can do so. “In a recent decision, India has decided to facilitate the return of Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members facing security threats in Afghanistan to India,” MEA had said.

Upon his arrival in India, Sachdeva thanked the Indian government for bringing him “home.”