Aghan Sikhs, Hindus must be protected: Author

BQ

Must be given citizenship

With the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has lost the last remnants of Nanak’s legacy. Afghan Sikhs, Hindus represent a unique tradition. It is imperative that their legacy is protected. A citizenship and a proper resettlement programme for them in India will go a long way in upholding their interests

Amardeep Singh, author

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 30

Tracing the legacy of Guru Nanak Dev in Afghanistan in April 2019, author Amardeep Singh visited Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul and called upon its functionary Chhabol Singh home. Two years later, the gurdwara serves as the last refuge for the remaining Sikhs in the country.

The Singapore-based author, whose upcoming documentary will showcase the Nanakpanthi legacy in Afghanistan, said it was imperative to protect the rare community.

Talking to The Tribune, he said: “Before the Russian takeover, the Afghan Nanakpanthi community stood at 3 lakh. Now it’s dying. Despite the differences, a common strain of the Indus culture ran through them, which was unique in the Afghanistan’s Sikh-Hindu diaspora. They were uninfluenced by the changes and bifurcations in India. With the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has lost the last remaining remnants of Nanak’s legacy. They represent a unique tradition. It is imperative that their legacy is protected. A citizenship and a proper resettlement programme for the Afghan Sikhs and Hindus in India will go a long way in upholding their interests.”

Amardeep Singh travelled across nine countries, including Afghanistan, to trace the journey of the first Sikh Guru as part of his documentary “Allegory — A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels”.

Chhabol Singh, now in India, who remained the general secretary of the committee of the Karte Parwan Gurdwara for 18 years, said: “The gurdwara was built by Afghan Sikh Balwant Singh around 75 years ago. Brotherhood and solidarity binds Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. Now, around 200 persons are stuck at the gurdwara. Though many were evacuated, more came in from Ghazni and Jalalabad. So, the number rose. It is heartening that India has committed to evacuate every Afghan Hindu and Sikh.” Chhabol is currently living at Tilak Nagar and serving those coming from Afghanistan.

About conditions in India, he said: “Ever since we came here, we have neither got jobs nor can our kids study. I’m 54 and my son is 26. For any job, he’s not offered more than Rs 6,000-8,000. The government can at least set up a colony where Aghan Sikhs and Hindus can live together. We just want a resettlement programme.”