Afghan origin Hindus, Sikhs call on PM, thank him for support

New Delhi, Feb 19: A delegation of Afghan origin Hindus and Sikhs called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to thank him and the government for its continued support to the people of Afghanistan and for the evacuation efforts post the Taliban takeover. The delegation called on the PM at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg official residence in the morning. It comprised of Afghan-origin Indian national community leaders, including Guljeet Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Dr Raghunath Kochar and Afghan-origin Indian businessman Bansri Lal Arendeh who was kidnapped in Afghanistan earlier last year and released after a few days, and Afghan citizen Nidan Singh Sachdeva, who was abducted by Taliban in 2020. The team comprised of Afghan origin Hindus and Sikhs who migrated to India in the last two decades along with some who were evacuated since August last year. They thanked the Prime Minister and his government for its continued support to the people of Afghanistan and ensuring the welfare of Afghan minorities at the highest level, including transportation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Hindu religious books. The delegation also recorded its sincere appreciation for the efforts and rehabilitation facilitated by Indian organizations, including Vikramjit Sahney, World Punjabi Organization, Mandeep Singh Sobti Foundation, and Puneet Singh Chandhok, Indian World Forum. The also laid before the PM their primary concerns, including Grant of Citizenship and Overseas Citizenship of India; Visas, Residential Permits and Exit Permits; Maintenance and protection of gurdwaras and Mandirs located Afghanistan including community estates; resettlement of Afghan minorities refugees; and grant of jobs for Afghan Hindus and Sikhs in the Government.