Islamic State claims attack on Sikhs, Hindus in Afghanistan


Team Udayavani, Jul 3, 2018, 8:43 AM IST

Kabul: The Islamic State group today claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in eastern Afghanistan that killed at least 19 people, mostly Sikhs and Hindus. 

The bomber targeted a delegation from the minority communities as it was travelling to the governor’s residence in the eastern city of Jalalabad yesterday for a meeting with President Ashraf Ghani.  Avtar Singh Khalsa, a longtime leader of the Sikh community, was among those killed. Another 20 people were wounded. 

In a statement released today, the IS said it had targeted a group of “polytheists”. Sikhs and Hindus face discrimination in the conservative Muslim country and have been targeted by Islamic extremists in the past, leading many to emigrate. 

The community numbered more than 80,000 in the 1970s, but today only around 1,000 remain. The UN mission to Afghanistan condemned the attack in a statement, saying, “the architects of this appalling crime must be brought to justice.” 

The UN also condemned an attack late Saturday in which militants killed three night watchmen outside a school and beheaded two of them before torching the building. That attack was also claimed by the Islamic State group.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Cow smuggler dead, six others injured after their vehicle overturns during police chase

Assam bypolls: Samaguri Cong candidate alleges rigging by BJP, demands repolling

Who in Congress has said Article 370 will be restored? Shah spreading lies: Kharge

All arrangements in place to ensure smooth darshan at Sabarimala shrine: Kerala police

Delhi pollution: Mothers’ group write to health minister, highlight respiratory issues among kids

Union Minister Joshi hands over 10 battery-operated vehicles to Puri temple

COVID-19 scam: Karnataka cabinet decides to set up SIT

Related Articles More

COP29: BASIC countries ask rich nations to honour commitments for climate finance rather than “diluting obligations”

COP29: Three days in, countries still waiting for ‘workable’ climate finance draft

Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy to lead Department of Government Efficiency: Trump

COP29: UN climate chief calls for urgent climate action to counter economic fallout, inflation

35 killed, 43 injured as driver hits crowd in Chinese city

MUST WATCH

New Technology In Kambala

Lakshdeepotsava 2024 Shree Krishna Mutt

Punganur Cow

Rangoli design

Jagadeesh Nagaraj Kudupali Audio Viral


Latest Additions

Cow smuggler dead, six others injured after their vehicle overturns during police chase

Assam bypolls: Samaguri Cong candidate alleges rigging by BJP, demands repolling

Who in Congress has said Article 370 will be restored? Shah spreading lies: Kharge

All arrangements in place to ensure smooth darshan at Sabarimala shrine: Kerala police

Delhi pollution: Mothers’ group write to health minister, highlight respiratory issues among kids

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.