Kabul/New Delhi, June 18 (UNI) Terrorists belonging to the ISIS Khorasan faction on Saturday morning launched an attack on the revered Gurdwara Karte Parwan in Kabul, with multiple explosions heard and sounds of gunfire, and reports that at least one person was killed. Sikh leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa later reported that all the terrorists were neutralised by Afghan soldiers and the Gurdwara is now under Afghan police control.
He said in tweets that all the Afghan Sikhs and Hindus trapped inside were evacuated from the Gurdwara while two persons were injured. They have been sent to hospital, while one guard is reported dead.
In tweets, he said: “All the terrorists that attacked Gurdwara Karte Parwan Sahib neutralised by Afghan soldiers.
“Gurdwara Sahib now under Afghanistan Police control.”
According to social media, initial inputs suggest that explosions took place outside the gate of the Gurdwara killing at least two Afghans.
Habib Khan, an Afghan, tweeted: “A complex terrorist attack targeted a Gurdwara in Baghebala area of Kabul city. The neighborhood is home to Afghan Hindu and Sikh communities. So far, three blasts are heard in the area and heavy gunshots continue. No word on casualties at this stage.”
The Indian government said it is deeply concerned at the reports and is closely monitoring the situation.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a statement said: “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.”

Earlier, Puneet Singh Chandhok, president Indian World Forum, said that alarming reports were coming from Kabul and “unknown armed assailants have entered Gurdwara Karte Parwan in Kabul”.

“I just spoke to Gurnam Singh, President, Gurdwara Karte Parwan. He was weeping and alleged that the assailants have killed all residing inside the Gurdwara. As per him the militants belong to ISIS," he said.

Chandhok requested the Government of India to immediately repatriate the Afghan minorities from there without any further delay.

“They are waiting for e-visa since six months.”


Earlier, Sikh leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa in a tweet said that approximately 10-15 Sikhs are stuck inside Gurdwara Karte Parwan in Kabul which was attacked by terrorists this morning. “One person has been reported dead in this attack”, he added.
Several Sikh families currently live within the gurdwara complex.
UNI RN