At 7:15 am on 18 June, multiple blasts demolished the Gurdwara Karte Parwan in Kabul, Afghanistan. A Sikh man and a guard of the Gurdwara were killed in the attack. Three Talibani soldiers were also wounded.
ISIS Khorasan is suspected of the bomb blast that was allegedly followed by gun fires. Two suicide bombers are cornered by the Afghanistan authorities. In the absence of concrete proof, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has started systematically monitoring the situation.
Casualties
According to ANI, 25-30 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs were present in the Gurdwara for morning prayers. Only 10-15 were able to run as the attackers entered the premises. The remainder are either trapped inside or presumed dead.
At least 7-8 people are still believed to be trapped inside, while the exact number is unknown.
A minimum of two blasts were heard in the explosion that killed Sawinder Singh, 60. He was a native of Ghazi.
Response in India
BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa informed that he “had a talk with Gurnam Singh, President of Gurdwara Karte Parwan. He pleaded for global support for Sikhs in Afghanistan.” He tweeted that the Sikh minority is feeling helpless in protecting themselves as the slogans of “convert or die” are making rounds in the streets. His Twitter handle also shares the missing news of 3 Sikhs from the Gurdwara premises.
The Ministry of External Affairs also expressed concern about Sikhs in Afghanistan and condemned terrorism. “We are deeply concerned about the reports emanating from #Kabul about an attack on a sacred #kartaparwan Gurudwara. We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the unfolding developments: Ministry of External Affairs”
Former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has also requested that the MEA investigate the attack. He explained “I was deeply disturbed to learn of an attack on a Gurdwara Sahib in Kabul, Afghanistan. I’m praying to Waheguru Ji for the safety of all the devotees and civilians trapped within. Request that the MEA investigate this matter and protect the safety of all worshippers.”
