Returning Afghan Sikh refugees uncover Taliban atrocities; 'they have cheated us'

As part of attempts to evacuate persecuted minority in Taliban-led country, a special flight carrying 55 Afghan Sikh refugees from Afghanistan touched down at New Delhi airport on Sunday, September 25.

Afghan Sikh refugees landed at Indira Gandhi Airport in nation's capital on Sunday and were welcomed by Vikramjit Singh Sahney, international president of World Punjabi Organization and a member of Rajya Sabha. Notably, a special aircraft operated by Ariana Afghan was organised to evacuate se Afghan minorities by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee (SGPC) Amritsar in collaboration with Indian World Forum and Indian Government.

'Condition not well in Afghanistan': Returning Afghan Sikh

As 55 Afghan Sikhs returned to India on Sunday, one of m narrated sorry state of affairs in Afghanistan against minorities. An Afghan Sikh-- Baljeet Singh, who returned on same flight, revealed atrocities of Taliban on Sikhs. 

" condition is not very well in Afghanistan," Baljeet Singh told ANI. Recounting tales of Taliban atrocities, he said, "I was imprisoned for four months. Taliban have cheated us, y butchered our hair in prison." 

ding furr Baljeet Singh said, "I am thankful and happy to return to India and to our religion. re are 11-12 people left behind who will also return soon, I hope," ANI reported.

'We have come here for safety of our kids'

Anor returning Sikh, Mansa Singh, a sevar at Kabul gurdwara in Afghanistan, while speaking to ANI expressed his gratitude to PM Modi to help m return to India. "I would like to thank Indian government and PM Modi to facilitate with e-visa and help us return to India. Besides, I would like to thank Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Puneet Chandowk and all or organisations who me this a success; hence, we returned safely," Mansa Singh told ANI.

" situation of Afghanistan is not hidden, we have come here for safety of our kids, and urge Indian government to evacuate our or 30 brors who are left behind in Afghanistan," he ded.

Meanwhile, AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney thanked government of India and all or organisations who helped to make evacuation mission successful. "Since Taliban took over country situation is not under control, and an evacuation process was underway. Government of India played a significant role and held talks with Taliban to evacuate Sikh nationals. We are working as a family and would like to thank all teams and organisations who have helped in this," AAP MP told ANI.

He also said his organisation is running a programme 'My Family My Responsibility' under which 543 Afghan Sikhs and Hindu families have alrey been rehabilitated in West Delhi, PTI reported.

It is pertinent to mention that ever since Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, re has been a series of attacks on Sikhs and or minorities. Earlier on June 18 this year, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) attacked Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul which claimed lives of about 50 people.

(With input from agencies)