A Sikh man was among the persons killed in an attack on Saturday morning at a gurudwara in Kabul, Abdul Nafi Takour, the spokesperson of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan’s interior ministry said, reported TOLO News.
The gunmen who had stormed the gurudwara have also been killed, while a Talibani fighter was shot dead in crossfire, Takour said. Seven persons have sustained injuries.
The Talibani fighters started a gunfight in the gurudwara after a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire inside the gurudwara complex on Saturday morning, The Indian Express reported, citing witnesses. At least two explosions have also been heard close to the gurudwara in the Karte Parwan area of the Afghanistan capital, according to PTI.
The gunmen took the gurudwara under siege, The Tribune reported.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that Gurnam Singh, the president of the gurudwara management told him that the attack took place around 6 am local time when morning prayers were underway, The Tribune reported.
New Delhi issued a statement saying it was “deeply concerned” by the attack.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the unfolding developments,” said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly attack”.
“We have been closely monitoring developments since the news of the attack was received,” he wrote in a tweet. “Our first and foremost concern is for the welfare of the community.”
About 140 Sikhs live in the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, mostly in the eastern city of Jalalabad and the capital city of Kabul, according to PTI.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!