Kabul Gurudwara attacked by Islamic State

Islamic State terrorists attacked a Sikh Gurudwara Karte Parwan in Afganistan capital Kabul on Saturday morning in which one person lost his life while two are battling for life. Gurdwara Karte Parwan is the central gurdwara of the Sikh community in Kabul.

Several explosions and gunfire rocked the gurdwara on Saturday morning and three Taliban members were said to be engaged in a firefight with terrorists affiliated to the Islamic State who stormed the place of worship and opened fire. Atleast 25-30 worshippers were inside the gurudwara when the attack took place. As per the reports, both the terrorists have been neutralised by the Taliban member.

One Sikh person Savinder Singh has reportedly lost his life in the attack.

Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Nafi Takor on Saturday confirmed that attackers that stormed the Sikh gurdwara at Kart-e-Parwan area in Kabul have been killed. He also confirmed the death of a Sikh man in the gurdwara.

Pertinent to mention here that Community leaders recently estimated that just 140 Sikhs remained in predominantly Muslim Afghanistan, down from 100,000 in the 1970s.

As per reports, the attackers had attempted to drive a car laden with explosives into the area but they detonated before they reached their target. The Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan last year, said a clearance operation was still under way although the attack had ended.

Following the attack, Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji has been safely evacuated from the Gurdwara Karte Parwan Kabul.The local Sikhs risked themselves into the fire and retrieved.They are currently on way to residence of Gurnam Singh to maintain and worship it there according to its sanctity and principles.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We are deeply concerned at the reports emanating from Kabul about an attack on a sacred Gurudwara in that city. We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the unfolding developments".

Indian External Affairs minister S Jaishankar while condemning the attack, tweeted, “The cowardly attack on Gurudwara Karte Parwan should be condemned in the strongest terms by all.”

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while speaking against the attack, tweeted: “Have heard reports of shots being fired at devotees, I’m praying for everyone’s safety. I urge PM @narendramodi ji and @MEAIndia for immediate assistance to ensure the safety of minorities in Kabul.”