Voicing concern for minorities

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 24

Majha House hosted eminent panel of speakers, including filmmaker-author Ghazala Wahab, Natasha Badhwar, researcher Dr Indrajeet Singh and author Dr Ori Z Soltes to talk about issues faced by minorities in the backdrop of India’s 75th Independence day celebrations. Discussing the anxieties and hopes of Muslims and Jews in India, and the Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan post the Taliban reign there, the speakers talked about their recent experiences and perspective on the subject.

The recent Afghanistan crisis was discussed as UK-based researcher Dr Indrajeet Singh elaborated on the history of the war-torn nation.

He talked about the present scenario and what the future holds for the Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan. “History is witness to the fact that in spite of all the wars and violence and internal strife, there were many leaders who were visionaries and sympathetic people. Dr Najeebullah noted that the safety of Hindus and Sikhs was in jeopardy and he ensured that speedy visas were granted to those wanting to leave the country,” Dr Indrajeet explained.

He said even earlier the Taliban had sought to differentiate Hindus and Sikhs from the local people by asking them to wear some yellow cloth to identify them or to hoist yellow flags on their houses. “This diktat was negotiated by the Hindus and Sikhs as they were paying Jaziya to them and they had a saying in matters. This is how the minorities have always lived – by negotiating,” he said. He lauded the role of many film-makers, like Afghan-based Prit Pal Singh, who made documentaries on how they were living in Afghanistan and these were eye-openers for everyone. As resolutions to the current violent situation, Dr Indrajeet said, “The problem of the Durand line should be addressed; muslim scholars should be consulted for women’s rights and education; and ideally a party

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