11 Afghan Sikhs arrive in India, say they were being targeted

The first batch of 11 members of the Sikh community from Afghanistan, who have been facing the worst form of persecution at the hands of Pakistan-backed Taliban, arrived in India on Sunday in a special flight facilitated by the Government of India. The group has four children, one minor girl, three women, and three men.

Significantly, among other repatriates includes 60-year-old Delhi-based Sikh Nidan Singh Sachdeva and 16-year-old Sunmeet Kaur who were kidnapped by terrorists there and was later rescued by security agencies.

 While speaking to ANI, Sachdeva told, “I am more than thankful to the Government of India for bringing us here. I have no words to describe my feelings here. I could arrive here after much struggle. An atmosphere of fear prevails over there. The gurdwara is where we can be safe but a step outside Gurdwara is fearful.” The repatriation process was started by the Indian government after reports of minority persecution and human rights violations appeared.

“We want peace and earn a livelihood. My mother and brother are still there. I request the government to bring them as well. The situation is bad there. All of us are being pressurised by them for conversions,” said Balender Singh. Approximately 700 Hindu and Sikhs Afghan Nationals have registered with Embassy of India in Kabul and are seeking an immediate return to India.

India is facilitating the entire process of returning of Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members facing security threats in Afghanistan and extended a helping hand despite the ongoing pandemic. They will stay at the guest house of Rakabgunj Gurdwara looked after the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara management committee.

With ANI inputs