Nishan Sahib removed from historical Gurudwara in Paktia Province, Afghanistan: Now Restored

August 10, 2021
Update:
Nishan Sahib Restored at Gurudwara Thala Sahib
AfghanistanMP Narinder Pal Singh has confirmed that the Nishan Sahib of the Gurudwara Thala Sahib has been restored. He further confirmed that it was removed by the caretaker of the Gurudwara out of fear of the increasing Taliban presence in Paktia province. The caretaker restored the Nishan Sahib with the help of local authorities and the public. The caretaker, however, said that if anything happens to him as a result of the restoration of the Nishan Sahib, he would blame the community. This shows that fear is increasing among the Afghan nationals. All heritage sites for the Sikh Community are at the higher risks than ever before.

Toronto, Canada
August 6, 2021
 
The Taliban have been gaining momentum in Afghanistan since President Biden announced that the U.S. will withdraw their troops by September 11. 
As the U.S. withdrawal is near completion, Taliban forces have increased their attacks against the Afghan military and civilians. According to the latest reports from Indian Media, the Taliban removed the Nishan Sahib (Religious Flag of Sikhs) from the historical Gurudwara Thala Sahib in Paktia Province in Afghanistan. This, however, is not entirely correct.

“Our volunteers on the ground in Afghanistan, have confirmed that the Nishan Sahib was removed, but it was not removed directly by the Taliban forces — it was removed by the caretaker of the gurdwara.” stated Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS International Director of Humanitarian Aid.  “There is a lot of fear and uncertainty in Afghanistan and the caretaker was intimidated by a Taliban announcement about flags.  He removed the Nishan Sahib himself as he feared retribution from the Taliban.”
UNITED SIKHS has been advocating for the safety of the remaining members of religious minorities in Afghanistan as well as assisting many Sikhs and Hindus in their relocation from Afghanistan.  “We will continue to seek assistance for all members of religious minorities remaining in Afghanistan and to urge the Canadian and US governments to safely evacuate the few remaining Afghan minorities to safety,” stated Gurpreet Singh, UNITED SIKHS CEO.  “We also urge the United Nations to uphold its resolution  to safeguard religious sites.”  
 
By:  Gundeep Singh
Media Coordinator
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