India has prioritised issuing e-visas to more than 100 Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan after Saturday’s Karte Parwan Gurdwara attack in Kabul killed two people.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the decision was made late last night. Meanwhile, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility on Sunday for the Karte Parwan Gurdwara attack in Kabul. ISKP released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. According to ISKP, “Abu Mohammed al Tajiki” launched the attack, which lasted three hours.

The group claimed that in addition to submachine guns and grenades, four improvised explosive devices and a car bomb were used in the attack.

It further claimed that around 50 Hindu Sikhs and members of the Taliban were killed in the attack in retaliation for an insult to the Prophet Muhammad by an Indian politician. However, in the attack, only two people were killed and seven others injured.

Strong action was taken against those who made derogatory remarks. Relevant parties also issued a statement emphasising respect for all religions and condemning acts that insult the personality of any religion or demean any religion or sect. Vested interests opposed to India-South Korea relations have been inciting the public to use this derogatory rhetoric.

At least two civilians, including a Sikh and a Muslim security guard, were killed in an attack by ISKP in the Afghan city of Kabul on Saturday.

Initial input indicated that at least two people were killed in the explosion outside the gates of Gurdwara. Another explosion was later heard from inside the complex, and some shops attached to Gurdwara caught fire.

The holy Guru Granth Sahib, from Gurudwara in the Afghan capital Kabul, was recovered from a building emitting thick smoke following this morning’s attack, according to images posted on social media.

Locals posted a social media video showing a barefoot man with Guru Granth Sahib on his head. The video showed two or three other people, none wearing shoes to accompany him.

According to Sikhism, Saroop is a physical copy of Guru Granth Sahib, believed to be a living guru. A strict code of conduct governs the transportation of Guru Granth Sahib; as a sign of respect, Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the head, and people walk barefoot.

The holy book was reportedly taken to the official residence of Gurdwara Karte Parwan, President Gurnam Singh. Afghanistan’s religious minorities, including the Sikh community, have been the target of violence in Afghanistan.
Last October, 15 to 20 terrorists entered Gurdwara in Kabul’s Kart-e-Parwan district and tied up guards.

In March 2020, a deadly attack in Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurudwara in Kabul’s Short Bazaar district killed 27 Sikhs and injured several others. Islamic State terrorists claimed responsibility for the attack.