India issues e-visas ‘on priority’ to over 100 Sikhs, Hindus in Afghanistan after Kabul attack

New Delhi, June 20: Following the attack on Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul on Saturday, the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has reportedly decided to grant e-emergency visas to over 100 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus on ‘priority,

 

 

The e-visas will facilitate the evacuation of Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan, who are facing grave danger in wake of the terror threats there.

 

Several blasts were reported at the gurudwara in Kabul on Saturday morning followed by a gun battle between the attackers and Taliban fighters. Three attackers were killed by the Taliban fighters. This was the latest targeted assault on a place of worship of the minority Sikh community in Afghanistan.

 

Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed the responsibility for the attack on the gurudwara in Kabul. As per ISKP, 'Abu Muhammed al Tajiki' carried out the attack as revenge for the insult of Prophet Muhammed by now-suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

 

 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack saying “Shocked by the cowardly terrorist attack against the Karte Parwan Gurudwara in Kabul. I condemn this barbaric attack and pray for the safety and well-being of the devotees”.

 

 

Global terror outfit, Islamic State, also known as Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), is suspected to be behind the attack. According to the reports, Indian officials said around 150 Hindus and Sikhs are living in Afghanistan currently.

 

Following a change of regime in Kabul last year, the Indian government extended help to Afghan citizens, who were looking to flee the country and seek refuge in other countries including India, by starting a new visa category – “e-Emergency X-Misc”. Around 200 Afghan nationals were given this visa till December 2021.