Attack on Sikh temple in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul kills two
June 18, 2022, 12:14 pm

Attack on Sikh temple in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul

A blast occurred in a Sikh temple in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday morning (June 18), a temple official said, but it was unclear if there were casualties.

The official, Gornam Singh, told Reuters: "There were around 30 people inside the temple. We don't know how many of them are alive or how many dead. The Taliban are not allowing us to go inside, we don't know what to do."

Taliban officials have not confirmed the explosion, and it was not immediately clear who was behind the blast, the Anews reported, citing Reuters.

It said that local broadcaster Tolo aired footage showing heavy grey fumes of smoke rising from the area.

Sikhism or Sikh Dharma, is an Indian religion[ii] founded in the 15th century CE. Sikhism developed from the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the faith's first guru, and the nine Sikh gurus who succeeded him - Pic. Pixabay

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers say they have secured the country since taking power in August, but international officials and analysts say the risk of a resurgence in militancy remains. Multiple attacks have taken place in recent months, with some claimed by the Islamic State militant group.

According to community members and media reports, Sikhs are a tiny religious minority in largely Muslim Afghanistan, comprising around 300 family members before the fall of the country to the Taliban. Many had left the country in the wake of the takeover.

Explosion hits mosque in central Kabul during prayer time, wounding at least six

The report mentioned that the Sikh community, like other religious minorities, has been the continual target of violence in Afghanistan. An attack claimed by the Islamic State at another temple in Kabul in 2020 killed 25.

According to authorities, Saturday's explosion follows a blast on Friday in the northern city of Kunduz at a mosque that killed one and injured two.

Source: anews

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