Sikhs in Afghanistan Forced to Adopt Muslim Attire Under Taliban Rule

KABUL: The Apprehensions that arose with the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021 are now materializing as the country's small non-Muslim communities face dire circumstances. Over the past two years, the fears of the disappearance of these communities have turned into reality. The last known Jew in Afghanistan fled shortly after the Taliban's rise to power, and the once-thriving Sikh and Hindu populations have dwindled to a mere handful of families.

The implementation of strict measures by the Taliban has resulted in severe limitations on the lives of Sikhs and Hindus, encompassing their outward appearance and public observance of religious events. As a consequence, many members of these communities have been compelled to leave their homeland to escape persecution.

Pari Kaur, one of the few remaining Sikhs residing in Kabul, shared her experience with Radio Azadi, revealing the daily challenges she faces. "When I step outside, I am coerced into adopting Muslim attire to avoid being identified as a Sikh," she disclosed, alluding to the Taliban's edict that mandates all women to wear the burqa or niqab. In 2018, Pari Kaur's father lost his life in a suicide attack that targeted Sikhs and Hindus in Jalalabad. Following the tragedy, approximately 1,500 Sikhs, including Kaur's mother and sisters, fled Afghanistan.

Despite the turmoil, Pari Kaur chose to remain in Kabul, driven by her father's aspiration for her education. In March 2020, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) conducted a devastating attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, claiming the lives of 25 devotees. This event prompted an exodus of many Sikhs from Afghanistan. However, Pari Kaur's resolve to stay endured. More than two years into the Taliban's rule, she now finds herself with no alternative but to seek refuge abroad due to the absence of religious freedom under the militant regime.

"We have been unable to observe our primary festivals since the Taliban's takeover. The Sikh community in Afghanistan is dwindling rapidly," said Pari Kaur. The situation for Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan has been further complicated by the aftermath of the conflict that emerged after 1979. Most of these communities have fled the country in search of better prospects. Those who have sought refuge in India from Afghanistan are grappling with economic challenges.

Chabul Singh (57), a Sikh residing outside New Delhi, recounted their plight: "We left Afghanistan due to the immense pressure we faced. Our turbans made us easily identifiable in Afghanistan. Both the Taliban and Daesh targeted Sikhs for violence."