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Foreign ministers

Afghan Hindus and Sikhs Seek Support from Taliban on Preservation and Protection of Historical Sites and Rights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A delegation of around 30 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs, who have sought refuge in India over the years, met with the Taliban's foreign affairs minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi on Monday. The delegation, led by the Afghan Minorities Council in coordination with the Indian World Forum, sought support from the Taliban regime for the preservation and maintenance of historical gurdwaras and temples in Afghanistan. They also requested that the Afghan government ease visa requirements for Afghan Hindus and Sikhs who hold Indian citizenship, allowing them to visit their ancestral homeland without hindrance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The delegation, comprising 30 prominent Hindus and Sikhs, sought the support of the Taliban regime for the preservation and maintenance of historical gurdwaras and temples in Afghanistan.
  • The delegation requested the Afghan government to ease visa requirements for Afghan Hindus and Sikhs who hold Indian citizenship, allowing them to visit their ancestral homeland without needing to apply for a visa.
  • The delegation suggested appointing at least two members from the Hindu and Sikh community to high-ranking positions in the Afghan government, citing the previous regime's practice of giving minorities representation in government.
  • The community also sought restoration of property rights and estates that were grabbed during the previous regime.
  • There are approximately 5,000 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus living in Delhi, with around 2,000 still holding Afghan nationality.
  • The exodus of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus has led to a significant diaspora, with many settling in countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, and Germany.

Statistics:

  • 30: The number of prominent Hindus and Sikhs in the delegation that met with the Taliban's foreign affairs minister.
  • 5,000: The estimated number of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus living in Delhi.
  • 2,000: The estimated number of Afghan nationals among Afghan Sikhs and Hindus living in Delhi.
  • Various: The number of countries where Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have settled, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Germany.

Sources:

  • Ambika Pandit, "Afghan Hindus and Sikhs seek support from Taliban on preservation and protection of historical sites and rights," The Times of India, [no date mentioned]

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