In an unprecedented move, Afghanistan's ambassador to India Dr. Shaida Abdali has joined a massive protest organized by the Sikh community in New Delhi following a terrorist attack which left 19 people dead in Jalalabad, Afghanistan on Sunday. The protesters are demanding the protection of the Sikh community in Afghanistan.
#BREAKING: In an unprecedented development, Afghan diplomats participate in the protest by Sikh community in Delhi against terrorism after 19 were killed (mostly Sikh leaders) and 21 injured in Jalalabad city. Afghan diplomats assure them of speedy justice. Kudos @ShaidaAbdali pic.twitter.com/QNDd8QqybG
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 3, 2018
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the High Commission of Afghanistan in New Delhi holding placards demanding justice for those killed in Sunday's suicide bombing.
#Sikhs protests in #Delhi #India, after 17 members of #Afghan Sikh community killed in a #ISIS claimed suicide attack in #Jalalabad city of #Afghanistan.
— Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) July 3, 2018
Photos thanks to @sidhant pic.twitter.com/AvY7bp2Sms
"Sikhs are the Ambassadors of peace across the globe, why killing of innocent Sikhs?" One of the placards read.
Protest in Delhi outside #Afghanistan embassy to ensure safety of sikhs. pic.twitter.com/hENBsQJhT0
— Paramvir Singh (@ChParamvir) July 3, 2018
Some protesters demanded that the government of India should provide refuge to Sikhs if the Afghan government fails to ensure their security.
"The casualties should be compensated by the Afghanistan government. We request that the Indian government provide citizenship to our people and relocate them to India," the protester told ANI.
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Earlier on Monday, a delegation of Afghan refugees living in Delhi called on Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and sought her intervention to facilitate the travel of those Sikhs who want to leave Afghanistan and come to India.
Condemning the suicide attack in Afghanistan that killed 13 members from the Afghan Sikh community, EAM @SushmaSwaraj expressed sincere condolences during her meeting with a delegation of representatives of SGPC, Sikh community from Afghanistan and relatives of the victims. pic.twitter.com/iTlCkIX326
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 2, 201
Sikhs practice a monotheistic religion that originated in the 15th century and are historically associated with the state of Punjab in northern India, where they constitute the majority.
* Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS/Islamic State) — a terrorist organisation banned in Russia.
