New Delhi: Amid international pressure and India’s strong condemnation against the atrocities carried out by the Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, Nishan Sahib- a Sikh religious flag that was removed by the Taliban from Afghanistan’s eastern Paktia province has been restored. The war-torn country has been witnessing massive violence perpetrated by the Taliban amid the ongoing withdrawal of troops by the U.S.
As informed by the President of the Indian World Forum, Puneet Singh Chandhok, the Taliban officials including their forces revisited the Gurdwara yesterday evening and conveyed their ascent for the functioning of the Gurdwara as per its customs and directed to restore the Nishan Sahib immediately in their presence. On Friday, India strongly condemned the act of removing the Sikh flag from Gurdwara Thala Sahib in Afghanistan and reiterated its firm belief that Afghanistan’s future must be one where the interests of all sections of Afghan society including minorities and women are protected.
India has vehemently expressed concern over the current situation prevailing in the country and stressed the need to ensure that Afghanistan’s neighbours and the region are not threatened by terrorism, separatism and extremism. Over the past few weeks, amid the ongoing US troop withdrawal, the Taliban has captured several districts in Afghanistan. On Saturday, August 7, the Taliban captured Sheberghan city in Jawzjan-the second provincial capital.
On Friday, the Taliban captured the city of Zaranj, the provincial capital of Nimroz. Meanwhile, on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India is closely monitoring the fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan and that it continues to call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.
Read: US urges Taliban to choose peace process instead of military campaign
