The tragedy that left over 2 dozen Sikhs dead in Kabul has rocked us all. In 2016 a prominent Afghan Sikh Rawail Singh expressed some feelings of optimism about living in Afghanistan, as he had fond memories of a more tolerant country, “Why would I leave? This is my land, my country, my culture. Historically, we belong to Afghanistan." In 2018 he died in a terrorist attack that killed Sikhs and Hindus. Since then the stalwart sentiment of staying has been dwindling among Afghan Sikhs.
Pritpal Singh, AKA TheDutchSikh, lives in England but is of Afghan heritage. He has previously showcased his love for his heritage with his documentaries 'Mission Afghanistan' and 'The Last Sikhs of Afghanistan'. He today posted on his facebook, "As of the past few hours, Sikhs in Kabul have been told not to leave their homes. Explosive devices have been found outside their gurdwaras, Sikh place of worship, and there is a real fear another attack is imminent. This is the 3rd attack in 3 days."
While we can be grateful that the 2nd and 3rd attacks didn't cause any injuries, Sikhs internationally are calling for sanctuary to be offered to Afghani Sikhs. I asked Pritpal Singh, who has been in contact with Sikhs in Kabul, if they themselves still want to stay in their homeland. He stated, "All I can say most Sikh people in Afghanistan now no longer want to live there anymore. They need help to get to safety preferably in Europe or North America as most Afghan Sikh now live in UK and Europe."
Simran Jeet Singh, AKA, the Sikh Professor put up an article today called, 'Afghanistan Can’t Protect its Sikhs From Terror: It’s Time for America to Step Up'. He called upon the U.S. government to offer help:
"It is morally imperative that the White House make sure that the remaining few minority families in Afghanistan have safe refuge in the United States or Europe."
The World Sikh Organization of Canada offered more suggestions including donating to the 'Manmeet Bhullar Foundation' (which Pritpal Singh also advocates for) that will forward those resources to sponsoring Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan, and advocating the Canadian government invite refugees like they did with Syria:
Click here to donate to the Manmeet Bhullar Foundation.
It is in times of tragedy that bring out our humanity.
By the Grace of the Guru may we follow Thy Will and be guided towards Your Feet.