Sarna urges PM Modi to ensure safety, evacuation of Sikhs in Tehran

Paramjit Singh Sarna, Chief of the Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal, has expressed concern over reports that Sikh homes and the gurdwara in Tehran are located in areas facing heightened risk amid the escalating conflict and airstrikes in Iran’s capital.

Sarna said the small Sikh community in Tehran, which gathers around the historic Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurdwara, could face serious danger if the situation worsens and hostilities intensify in densely populated parts of the city.

“The Sikh community in Tehran is small but longstanding. Their homes and the gurdwara are situated in neighbourhoods that could fall within high-risk zones if the ongoing strikes and military exchanges escalate further,” Sarna said.

He said families in India are increasingly anxious as reports of explosions and strikes in Tehran continue to emerge, raising concerns about the safety of Sikhs and other Indian-origin residents living in the city.

Sarna urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the matter with global leaders and ensure that urgent steps are taken to safeguard Indian nationals in the Iranian capital.

“I urge the Prime Minister to engage with international leaders and the authorities concerned to ensure the safety of Indians in Tehran. The Government of India should prepare to evacuate Indian-origin residents, Sikhs included, from Tehran and nearby areas and bring them back to India until the situation stabilises,” he said.

The Akali leader said India has previously carried out evacuation missions during conflicts and crises in different parts of the world and should remain ready to extend similar assistance to its citizens and people of Indian-origin currently in Iran.

“The safety of every Indian abroad is paramount. The government must closely monitor the situation and take timely steps to ensure that our people are not caught in the crossfire of a conflict that is rapidly escalating,” Sarna added.