Kashmiri Sikh group announces Rs 10 lakh for repair of Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 21: United Kashmiri Sikhs Progressive Forum (UKSPF) Chairman Baldev Singh Raina announced to provide donation of Rs 10 lakh for the repair and renovation of Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul. On Saturday, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) attacked Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul. According to ISKP, 'Abu Mohammed al Tajiki' carried out the attack which lasted for three hours. Also Read: Pakistani visas being sold over USD 1,000 in black for Afghan citizens Raina also stated that, "United Kashmiri Sikh Progressive Forum will give Rs 10 lakh for the repair and renovation of Karte Parwan Gurdwara and we will raise more funds. In these difficult times we want to assure that every Sikh of India is with Afghan Sikhs and Sikh Community will rebuild the whole Afghanistan and always support the government." Condemning the attack, the UKSPF chief urged the Government of Afghanistan to take care of Sikh minorities. "We urge the Government of Afghanistan to take care of Sikh minorities and I assure you that they will always be available for the growth and development of the country. Sikhs of Afghanistan and India also share a bond of love and brotherhood," added Raina. He termed the attack in Karte Parwan Gurdwara as an "attack on humanity and Sikh community which is staying peacefully in Afghanistan." Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted e-visas to over 100 Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan on priority, said government sources on Sunday. It further claimed that about 50 Hindu Sikhs and Taliban members were killed in the attack and the attack was conducted as revenge for the insult of Prophet Mohammed by an Indian politician. The holy Guru Granth Sahib from Gurdwara in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was retrieved from the complex, from which plumes of smoke were seen billowing out after the attack early this morning, according to visuals posted on social media. According to reports, the Holy Book was taken to the residence of Gurnam Singh, president, of Gurdwara Karte Parwan. Also Read: Two die in Kabul roadside explosion Religious minorities in Afghanistan, including the Sikh community, have been targets of violence in Afghanistan post the Taliban came to power last August. -PTC News