Taliban assures security for Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras in Afghanistan : Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan

A delegation of Hindus and Sikhs meets Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi

New Delhi – Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is currently on a visit to India, met a delegation of Afghan-origin Hindus and Sikhs at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi. The delegation urged that the Taliban government should repair and provide security to Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras in Afghanistan. In response, Muttaqi assured that the Taliban government would undertake the restoration of these religious sites and ensure their protection.

1. Guljeet Singh, a representative of the delegation, said, “Many gurdwaras and temples in Afghanistan are in a dilapidated state. Some structures are on the verge of collapse. We requested Muttaqi to preserve them, and he has agreed to our demand.”

2. During the meeting, Muttaqi told the Hindu and Sikh members, “You may visit your religious places in Afghanistan. We will simplify the visa process for you. You can return to your homeland and restart your businesses. The Taliban government will welcome you back to Afghanistan.”

Editorial Perspective

If the Taliban government genuinely restores and protects Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras, it will mark a rare positive step from a regime long criticised for religious intolerance. However, the sincerity of this assurance remains to be seen in practice.