Two persons, including a security guard, were killed and seven injured as terrorists affiliated to the Islamic State entered the Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul, CNN-News18 reported. Several blasts ripped through the Sikh gurdwara in Afghanistan’s capital, while security personnel thwarted a bigger tragedy by stopping an explosive-laden vehicle from reaching the place of worship.
Two terrorists entered the gurdwara and fired indiscriminately at worshippers, soon after which a gun battle ensued between them and Taliban fighters, said Abdul Nafi Takor, a Taliban-appointed spokesperson for the interior ministry.
Three Taliban members who were fighting against the two ISIS attackers have been wounded. The security guard of the gurdwara – an Afghan named Ahmad – was killed in the attack.
The gurdwara was attacked early in the morning when up to 30 people were inside. Following the attack, the premises of Gurdwara Dashmesh Pita Sahib caught fire. The explosion, according to people familiar with the developments, could have affected the Guru Granth Sahib and the gurdwara’s main durbar hall.
#Afghanistan News | MEA: We are deeply concerned about the incident in Kabul. We are closely monitoring the situation.
After reports emerge of attack in #Kabul Gurudwara.@PSCINDIANPresident Indian World Forum shares views.@ Wangu_News18 shares details with @akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/T2O0G86NCt
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 18, 2022
Videos shared on social media showed people sheltering themselves as sounds of shots being fired were heard. Visuals shared by Afghan news agency Aamaj News showed two firefighting vehicles in the area dousing a fire caused by an explosion.
#Afghanistan News | Some Afghan Hindus trapped in Kabul Gurudwara.
‘Fire at Darbar hall’
Exclusive Input: @manojkumargupta@live_pathikritSecurity Analyst shares his views with @akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/k2SNdBpRFp
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 18, 2022
Taliban forces, who now handle security-related issues, entered the area and cordoned it off.
#Afghanistan News | Multiple blasts heard from #Kabul Gurudwara
Exclusive Input: @manojkumargupta@rpsinghkhalsaBJP Spokesperson & BJP Leader, @MsSirsa share their views. @ Wangu_News18 shares details with @akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/d9kSoJQOW2
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 18, 2022
Union minister S Jaishankar urged everyone to condemn the attack on the gurdwara. “The cowardly attack on Gurdwara Karte Parwan should be condemned in the strongest terms by all. We have been closely monitoring developments since the news of the attack was received. Our first and foremost concern is for the welfare of the community,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.
The cowardly attack on Gurudwara Karte Parwan should be condemned in the strongest terms by all.
We have been closely monitoring developments since the news of the attack was received. Our first and foremost concern is for the welfare of the community. https://t.co/ocfuY0RBhN
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 18, 2022
The ministry of external affairs in a tweet said it is monitoring the situation. It expressed deep concern about the incident. “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,” the ministry said.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the attack. “Have heard reports of shots being fired at devotees, I’m praying for everyone’s safety. I urge PM Modi ji and MEAIndia for immediate assistance to ensure the safety of minorities in Kabul,” Mann tweeted.
This is not the first time that Sikhs and Hindus have been attacked in Afghanistan. The same gurdwara provided shelter to members of Sikh, Hindu and other minorities when Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021
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