New Delhi: The first batch of eleven members of the minuscule Sikh community from Afghanistan, who have been facing persecution at the hands of the Taliban, arrived in India on Sunday in a special flight facilitated by the government.
The group has four children, one minor girl, three women, and three men. Other repatriates include 60-year-old Delhi-based Sikh Nidan Singh Sachdeva and 16-year-old Sunmeet Kaur who were kidnapped by terrorists in Afghanistan and were later rescued by security agencies.
Speaking to the media, Sachdeva said, "I am more than thankful to the government of India for bringing us here. I have no words to describe my feelings here. I could arrive here after much struggle. An atmosphere of fear prevails over there. The gurdwara is where we can be safe but a step outside Gurdwara is fearful."
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The repatriation process was immediately initiated by the Indian Government after perturbing reports of rampant security threats, and human rights violations on the minority communities surfaced.
"We want peace and earn a livelihood. My mother and brother are still there. I request the government to bring them as well. The situation is bad there. All of us are being pressurised by them to convert," said Balender Singh.
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Approximately 700 Hindu and Sikh Afghan Nationals have registered with Embassy of India in Kabul and are seeking immediate return to India. India is facilitating the entire process of the return of Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members facing security threats in Afghanistan and extended a helping hand despite the ongoing pandemic.
They will stay at the guest house of Rakabgunj Gurdwara looked after the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara management committee.
(With inputs from ANI)
