Sikhism in Afghanistan

2022-08-24T21:45:29Z

209.23.10.85:

{{Short description|Religious community}}
{{Use dmy dates}}
{{Infobox religious group
| group = Afghan Sikhs ਅਫ਼ਗਾਨਿਸਤਾਨ ਵਿਚ ਸਿੱਖ ਧਰਮ په افغانستان کې سکهزم
| population = '''43'''<ref name="The Tribune">{{cite web |date=September 25, 2022 |last=Paul |first=GS |title=Taliban again refuse to permit Sikh holy scriptures to accompany Afghan Sikhs, Hindus|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/taliban-again-refuse-to-permit-sikh-holy-scriptures-to-accompany-afghan-sikhs-hindus-435239 |url-status=live |access-date=September 25, 2022 |publisher=[[The Tribune India]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925142416/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/taliban-again-refuse-to-permit-sikh-holy-scriptures-to-accompany-afghan-sikhs-hindus-435239 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |quote=As of now, 43 Sikhs and Hindus were still left back in Afghanistan |language=en-IN }}</ref> '''0.0001%''' of total population (2022) 
'''200,000 - 500,000''' (diaspora)<ref name="Goyal2020"/><ref name="Kumar2017A"/><ref name="Kumar2017B"/><ref name="tolonews2016"/><ref name="Friel2007"/>

| popplace = 
| region1 = {{flag|India}}
| pop1 = 9,194-75,000
| ref1 = <ref name="The Times of India">{{cite web|author=IP Singh|title=Punjab: No clarity on exact number of Afghan Sikhs in India|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/no-clarity-on-exact-number-of-afghan-sikhs-in-india/articleshow/72930682.cms|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707213727/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/no-clarity-on-exact-number-of-afghan-sikhs-in-india/articleshow/72930682.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
| region2 = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| pop2 = >10,000
| ref2 = <ref name="Pritpal Singh">{{cite web|author=Pritpal Singh|title=HINDU KUSH TO THAMES|publisher=Youtube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usmOTLiWQTw&t=161s|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707213745/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usmOTLiWQTw&t=161s|url-status=live}}</ref>
| region3 = {{flag|Russia}}
| pop3 = 2,000
| ref3 = <ref name="Radio Free Europe">{{cite web|author=Valva Bezhan|title=Moscow's 'Little Kabul'|publisher=Radio Free Europe|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-afghan-community/28926962.html|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165639/https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-afghan-community/28926962.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| region4 = {{flag|Afghanistan}}
| pop4 = 43
| ref4 = <ref name="The Tribune"/>
| langs = [[Pashto]] • [[Dari]] • [[Hindko]] {{smaller|[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] • [[Hindi]] • [[Urdu]]}}
| rels = [[File:Khanda.svg|12px]] [[Sikhism]]
|image=File:KABUL Gurdwara Karte Parwan IMG 0619.JPG|image_caption=Karte Parwan [[Gurdwara]] in [[Kabul]], [[Afghanistan]]}}
{{Religion in Afghanistan}}
{{Sikhism sidebar}}
'''Sikhism in''' '''Afghanistan''' in the contemporary era is limited to small populations, primarily in major cities, with the largest numbers of Afghan [[Sikhs]] living in [[Jalalabad]], [[Ghazni]], [[Kabul]], and to a lesser extent in [[Kandahar]] and [[Khost]].<ref name="us2007">{{cite web|author=U.S. State Department|title=Afghanistan - International Religious Freedom Report 2007|publisher=The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affair|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90225.htm|access-date=2009-07-04|archive-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720173726/https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90225.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Sikhs have been the most prevalent non-Muslim minority in Afghanistan, and despite the many political changes in recent Afghan history, governments and political groups have generally not indulged in openly discriminating against the Sikh minority; however, their status have been severely impacted since the country's conflict since 1978.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blood in the Abode of Peace: The attack on Kabul's Sikhs |url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/war-and-peace/blood-in-the-abode-of-peace-the-attack-on-kabuls-sikhs/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Afghanistan Analysts Network - English |language=ps-GB}}</ref>

The origin of the Sikh community in Afghanistan has broadly two streams, including indigenous Pashto and Dari speakers, descendants of converts to the teaching of the Sikhism’s founder [[Guru Nanak]] during his trip to Kabul around 1520.<ref name="AfghanSikhAncestry"/> The second stream derive from the later [[Sikh Empire]] as it pushed westward, establishing trading routes for Sikh merchants into Kandahar and Kabul; this group speak [[Hindko]], a dialect of Punjabi.<ref name="AfghanSikhAncestry">{{Cite web |title=A Precarious State: the Sikh Community in Afghanistan - AIIA |url=https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/precarious-state-the-sikh-community-in-afghanistan/ |access-date= |website=Australian Institute of International Affairs |language=en-US |quote=The origin of the Sikh community in Afghanistan has broadly two streams. There are those who are descendants of converts to the teaching of Guru Nanak –Sikhism’s founder – during his trip to Kabul, recorded to be around 1520. These Sikhs are Pashto or Dari speakers, ethnically indigenous to the region, and potentially from groups who did not adopt Islam as the religion became regionally dominant between the 9th and 13th centuries. The second stream derive from the short-lived Sikh Empire (1799–1849) as it pushed westward, gaining control of territory to the Khyber Pass and Sikh merchants established trading routes into Kandahar and Kabul. This group speak Hindko, a dialect of Punjabi that is mostly found around Peshawar, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in north-west Pakistan.}}</ref> Due to this mixed ancestry, Afghan Sikhs are from various [[Ethnolinguistic group|ethnolinguistic]] backgrounds including [[Pashtun]],<ref name="Eusufzye2018">{{cite web |last1=Eusufzye |first1=Khan Shehram |title=Two identities, twice the pride: The Pashtun Sikhs of Nankana Saheb |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/03/11/two-identities-twice-the-pride-the-pashtun-sikhs-of-nankana-saheb/amp/ |work=[[Pakistan Today]] |access-date=31 May 2020 |year=2018 |quote=One can sense a diminutive yet charming cultural amalgamation in certain localities within the town with the settling of around 250 Pashtun Sikh families in the city. |archive-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626143003/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/03/11/two-identities-twice-the-pride-the-pashtun-sikhs-of-nankana-saheb/amp/ |url-status=live }} Ruchi Kumar, [https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/12/decline-afghanistan-hindu-sikh-communities-161225082540860.html The decline of Afghanistan's Hindu and Sikh communities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921142059/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/12/decline-afghanistan-hindu-sikh-communities-161225082540860.html }}, Al Jazeera, 2017-01-01, "the culture among Afghan Hindus is predominantly Pashtun" Beena Sarwar, [https://www.himalmag.com/finding-lost-heritage/ Finding lost heritage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306072246/https://www.himalmag.com/finding-lost-heritage/ }}, Himal, 2016-08-03, "Singh also came across many non turban-wearing followers of Guru Nanak in Pakistan, all of Pashtun origin and from the Khyber area." Sonia Dhami, [https://indicanews.com/2020/01/05/sikh-religious-heritage-my-visit-to-lehenda-punjab-part-two-by-sonia-dhami/ Sikh Religious Heritage – My visit to Lehenda Punjab] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128155144/https://indicanews.com/2020/01/05/sikh-religious-heritage-my-visit-to-lehenda-punjab-part-two-by-sonia-dhami/ }}, Indica News, 2020-01-05, "Nankana Sahib is also home to the largest Sikh Pashtun community, many of whom have migrated from the North West Frontier Provinces, renamed Khyber-Pakhtunwa." Neha, [https://www.siasat.com/pak-misusing-durand-line-facilitate-terrorists-says-pashtun-1626604/ Pak misusing Durand Line to facilitate terrorists, says Pashtun] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125135558/https://www.siasat.com/pak-misusing-durand-line-facilitate-terrorists-says-pashtun-1626604/ }}, Siasat Daily, 2019-09-20, "The members of the Pashtun and Afghan Sikh community living in Europe and UK have gathered in Geneva" Sabrina Toppa, [https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/despite-border-tensions-indian-sikhs-celebrate-festival-in-pakistan-25905 Despite border tensions, Indian Sikhs celebrate festival in Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125031836/https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/despite-border-tensions-indian-sikhs-celebrate-festival-in-pakistan-25905 }}, TRT World, 2019-04-16, "Hasanabdal is home to around 200 Sikh families that have primarily moved from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including Pakistan’s former tribal areas. The majority are Pashtun Sikhs who abandoned their homes and took refuge near Sikhism’s historical sites."</ref><ref>Shaista Wahab, Barry Youngerman. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y20MTE0C9kwC&dq=afghan+sikhs+pashto&pg=PA18 ''A Brief History of Afghanistan''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214052530/https://books.google.com/books?id=y20MTE0C9kwC&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=afghan+sikhs+pashto&source=bl&ots=284k8eeeVy&sig=1zpLWmNXYMs3PBhZhKB_JbttRfM&hl=en&ei=mojlTPHxJoz0tgOrgaWxCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFMQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=afghan%20sikhs%20pashto&f=false }} Infobase Publishing, 2007. {{ISBN|0-8160-5761-3}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8160-5761-0}}. Pg18</ref> [[Hindkowan]] or [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]].

Once numbering between 200,000 and 500,000 (1.8% to 4.6% of the national population, making it among the largest of any country at that time) in the 1970s,<ref name="Goyal2020"/><ref name="Kumar2017A"/><ref name="Kumar2017B"/><ref name="tolonews2016"/><ref name="Friel2007"/> their population in Afghanistan has dwindled since the [[Afghanistan conflict (1978-present)|Afghan wars]] began.<ref name=Conversation>{{cite web|title=Explainer: who are the Afghan Sikhs?|publisher=The Conversation|url=https://theconversation.com/explainer-who-are-the-afghan-sikhs-30699|access-date=20 May 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331144838/https://theconversation.com/explainer-who-are-the-afghan-sikhs-30699|url-status=live}}</ref> Estimates of their total population (there has been no [[census]] in Afghanistan since 1979) have been given as around 1,200 families or 8,000 members in 2013;<ref name="Pajhwok" /> 1,000 in 2019 (as reported by Afghan Sikh [[Wolesi Jirga]] member Narinder Singh Khalsa); and around 70 to 80 families or 700 in 2020 (as reported by Raj Sutaka, a Sikh businessman from Kabul).<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/solidarity-sikhs-afghanistan-massacre-200326174448712.html|title=Solidarity for Sikhs after Afghanistan massacre|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2020-03-27|archive-date=23 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423052148/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/solidarity-sikhs-afghanistan-massacre-200326174448712.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Thousands of Afghan Sikhs now live in [[Sikhism in India|India]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/afghanistan-s-dwindling-sikh-community-escapes-to-india-/6784763.html|title=Afghanistan's Dwindling Sikh Community Escapes to India|website=[[Voice of America]]|access-date=2022-12-04|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Sikhism in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-29062770|title=Why are Afghan Sikhs desperate to flee to the UK?|website=[[BBC]]|access-date=2022-12-04|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Sikhism in the United States|United States]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/sikh-hindu-refugees-afghanistan-calgary-bhullar-foundation-arrive-families-1.5054716|title='It feels really nice to be here': Sikh refugee families facing persecution in Afghanistan arrive in Calgary|website=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]]|access-date=2022-12-04|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Sikhism in Canada|Canada]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-08-30/attacked-at-home-afghan-sikhs-find-community-in-new-york|title=Attacked at home, Afghan Sikhs find community in New York |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=2022-12-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Presence==
[[File:Afghan Sikh.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Sikh]] shop owner in [[Kabul]], [[Afghanistan]]]]
===Kabul===
There were over 200,000 Sikhs in Kabul in the 1980s, but after the start of the [[Afghan Civil War (1992–96)|Civil War]] in 1992, most had fled.<ref name="Kumar2017B">{{Cite web|url = https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/afghan-hindus-and-sikhs-celebrate-diwali-without-pomp-and-splendour-amid-fear-1.668735|title = Afghan Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Diwali without 'pomp and splendour' amid fear|author = Ruchi Kumar|date = 19 October 2017|access-date = 6 July 2021|archive-date = 26 October 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171026054932/https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/afghan-hindus-and-sikhs-celebrate-diwali-without-pomp-and-splendour-amid-fear-1.668735|url-status = live}}</ref> Seven of Kabul's eight [[gurdwara]]s were destroyed during the civil war. Only [[Gurdwara Karte Parwan]], located in the [[Karte Parwan]] section of Kabul, remains.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikhfoundation.org/people-events/no-home-for-afghanistan-sikhs/|title=No Home for Afghanistan Sikhs|publisher=The Sikh Foundation International|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106231729/http://www.sikhfoundation.org/people-events/no-home-for-afghanistan-sikhs/|url-status=dead}}</ref> They are centred today in Karte Parwan<ref>{{Cite web|title=COI QUERY|url=https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2036878/2020_08_Q14_EASO_COI_Query_Response_AFG_Hindus_Sikhs.pdf|url-status=live|website=European Country of Origin Information Network}}</ref> and some parts of the old city.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Akhgar|first=Tameem|title=Bomb disrupts funeral for 25 Sikhs killed in Afghan capital|url=https://apnews.com/article/religion-islamic-state-group-41ec1c612e317fdab7528a2f919d6aed|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-05|website=AP News|language=en}}</ref> There is no exact number of Sikhs in Kabul province.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Country Policy and Information Note Afghanistan: Sikhs and Hindus|url=https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1166756/download|url-status=live|website=The United States Department of Justice}}</ref>

===Jalalabad===
[[File:Sri Guru Nanak Darbar, Jalalabad, Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|left|Entrance sign of Sri Guru Nanak Darbar gurdwara in [[Jalalabad]]]]
As of 2001, Jalalabad had 100 Sikh families, totaling around 700 people, who worship at two large [[Gurdwara]]s. Legend states that the older of the Gurudwaras was built to commemorate the visit of [[Guru Nanak Dev]].<ref name="baldauf2001">[http://www.themodernreligion.com/jihad/afghan/sikh.html Sikhs set example for getting along with the Taliban] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030110084821/http://www.themodernreligion.com/jihad/afghan/sikh.html }}. By Scott Baldauf, Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor, 13 April 2001</ref> On 1 July 2018, at least 10 Sikhs were killed in a targeted [[suicide bombing]] at the PD1 market.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/four-killed-jalalabad-explosion |publisher=[[TOLO News|TOLO]] |title=Suicide Attack Targets Sikhs in Jalalabad, 19 Killed |access-date=2 July 2018 |archive-date=3 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803204327/https://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/four-killed-jalalabad-explosion |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/blast-reported-afghanistan-jalalabad-180701120808551.html |publisher=[[Al Jazeera English]] |title=Deadly blast hits Afghanistan's Jalalabad |quote=Ghulam Sanayi Stanekzai, Nangarhar's police chief, said the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber who targeted a vehicle carrying members of the Sikh minority who were travelling to meet the president. |access-date=2 July 2018 |archive-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710045423/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/blast-reported-afghanistan-jalalabad-180701120808551.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[ISIS-K|local branch of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] claimed responsibility.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/isis-suicide-bomber-jalalabad-afghanistan-islamic-state-sikhs-hindus-dead-a8426476.html|title = Suicide bomber kills 19 in attack on Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan| website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date = 2 July 2018|access-date = 25 April 2019|archive-date = 2 July 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180702145746/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/isis-suicide-bomber-jalalabad-afghanistan-islamic-state-sikhs-hindus-dead-a8426476.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Kandahar===
Kandahar has a very small Sikh community, with only about 15 families living there as of 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/feature/2002/06/17/focus-hindus-and-sikhs-kandahar|title=Focus on Hindus and Sikhs in Kandahar|website=IRIN|access-date=2016-03-09|archive-date=11 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111215310/http://www.irinnews.org/feature/2002/06/17/focus-hindus-and-sikhs-kandahar|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
===Early history===
[[Guru Nanak]] visited Kabul in the 15th century. Guru Nanak is traditionally locally known as ''Peer Balagdaan'' in Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Tribune News |title=Booklet on Guru Nanak Dev's teachings released |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/ludhiana/booklet-on-guru-nanak-dev%E2%80%99s-teachings-released-859755 |access-date=2023-02-20 |website=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en |quote=Rare is a saint who has travelled and preached as widely as Guru Nanak Dev. He was known as Nanakachraya in Sri Lanka, Nanak Lama in Tibet, Guru Rimpochea in Sikkim, Nanak Rishi in Nepal, Nanak Peer in Baghdad, Wali Hind in Mecca, Nanak Vali in Misar, Nanak Kadamdar in Russia, Baba Nanak in Iraq, Peer Balagdaan in Mazahar Sharif and Baba Foosa in China, said Dr S S Sibia, director of Sibia Medical Centre.}}</ref> Some early [[Khatri]] Sikhs established and maintained colonies in Afghanistan for trading purposes.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hew McLeod|title=Sikhism|year=1997|publisher=Penguin Books|location=New York|isbn=0-14-025260-6|page=[https://archive.org/details/sikhism00mcle/page/251 251]|url=https://archive.org/details/sikhism00mcle/page/251}}</ref> Later, conflicts between the Sikh [[misl]]s and [[Sikh Empire|empire]] against the Afghan-based [[Durrani Empire]] led to tension. Sikhs also served in the British Empire's military during several operations in Afghanistan in the 19th century.

===20th century===
Following the [[partition of India]] in 1947, the Sikh population increased as Sikh migrants fled persecution from the [[Pothohar Plateau|Pothohar]] region of newly formed country of [[Pakistan]]. The Sikhs prospered during the 1933-1973 reign of [[Mohammed Zahir Shah]], and during period of strongly secular period of [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan|Soviet rule]].<ref name=Conversation/>

===Wars===
During the 1980s [[Soviet–Afghan War]], many Afghan Sikhs fled to India, where 90% of global Sikh population lives; a second, much larger wave followed following the 1992 fall of the [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan|Najibullah regime]].<ref name="majumder2003">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3138282.stm |work=BBC News |first=Sanjoy |last=Majumder |title=Sikhs struggle in Afghanistan |access-date=18 November 2010 |archive-date=9 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040609054859/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3138282.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Sikh [[gurdwara]]s (temples) throughout the country were destroyed in the [[Battle of Jalalabad (1989)]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/02/world/rocket-kills-22-in-afghan-temple.html|title=Rocket Kills 22 in Afghan Temple|newspaper=The New York Times|last1=Burns|first1=John F.|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607031334/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/02/world/rocket-kills-22-in-afghan-temple.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Afghan Civil War of the 1990s, leaving only the Gurdwara Karte Parwan in Kabul.<ref name="dnaindia1">{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_sikhs-hindus-reclaim-kabul-funeral-ground_1006343 |title=Sikhs, Hindus reclaim Kabul funeral ground - World - DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |access-date=2012-09-01 |archive-date=1 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001111634/http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_sikhs-hindus-reclaim-kabul-funeral-ground_1006343 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Under the [[Taliban]], the Sikhs were a persecuted minority and forced to pay the [[jizya]] tax.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/jakara/mailings/2144/attachments/original/afghansikhs.pdf?1587524919 |title=Archived copy |access-date=16 April 2021 |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416031407/https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/jakara/mailings/2144/attachments/original/afghansikhs.pdf?1587524919 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Sikh custom of cremation of the dead was prohibited by the Taliban, and cremation grounds vandalized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2019/11/02/afghan-sikhs-are-targeted-by-the-taliban-and-unable-to-even-bury-their-dead.amp.html|title=Afghan Sikhs are targeted by the Taliban and unable to even bury their dead - The Week|website=www.theweek.in|access-date=16 April 2021|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416031053/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2019/11/02/afghan-sikhs-are-targeted-by-the-taliban-and-unable-to-even-bury-their-dead.amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, Sikhs were required to wear yellow patches or veils to identify themselves.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jun/10/world/la-fg-afghanistan-sikhs-20130611|title=Afghanistan Sikhs, already marginalized, are pushed to the brink|last1=Magnier|first1=Mark|last2=Baktash|first2=Hashmat|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-date=8 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308180823/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jun/10/world/la-fg-afghanistan-sikhs-20130611|url-status=live}}</ref>

===21st century===
[[File:Kabul Gurdwara Karte Parwan IMG 0623.JPG|thumb|Interior of [[Gurdwara Karte Parwan]] in Kabul]]
By tradition, Sikhs cremate their dead, an act considered sacrilege in Islam.<ref name="autogenerated2007">{{cite web |last=Hemming |first=Jon |url=http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2007/09/17/sikhs-in-afghan-funeral-demonstration.html |title=Sikhs in Afghan funeral demonstration « RAWA News |publisher=Rawa.org |access-date=2012-09-01 |archive-date=29 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329224925/http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2007/09/17/sikhs-in-afghan-funeral-demonstration.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Afghanistans-Sikhs-feel-alienated-pressured-to-leave/articleshow/47611468.cms|title=Afghanistan's Sikhs feel alienated, pressured to leave|work=The Times of India|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620035225/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//world/south-asia/Afghanistans-Sikhs-feel-alienated-pressured-to-leave/articleshow/47611468.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-29062770|title=Why are Afghan Sikhs desperate to flee to the UK?|work=BBC News|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=4 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904155419/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-29062770|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/facing-intolerance-many-sikhs-and-hindus-leave-afghanistan-1421124144|title=Facing Intolerance, Many Sikhs and Hindus Leave Afghanistan|author=Margherita Stancati and Ehsanullah Amiri|work=WSJ|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=17 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117120000/https://www.wsj.com/articles/facing-intolerance-many-sikhs-and-hindus-leave-afghanistan-1421124144|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/02/afghanistan-sikhs-face-an-uncertain-future-201422312395677867.html|title=Afghanistan's Sikhs face an uncertain future|author=Ali M Latifi|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415220322/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/02/afghanistan-sikhs-face-an-uncertain-future-201422312395677867.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Cremation has become a major issue among Sikh Afghans, as traditional cremation grounds have been appropriated by Muslims, particularly in the [[Qalacha]] area of Kabul, which Sikhs and Hindus had used for over a century.<ref name="autogenerated2007" /> In 2003 Sikhs complained to the Afghan government regarding the loss of cremation grounds, which had forced them to send a dead body to Pakistan to be cremated, following which the Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs investigated the issue.<ref name="majumder2003" /> Though the grounds were reported as returned to Sikh control in 2006,<ref name="dnaindia1" /> in 2007 local Muslims allegedly beat Sikhs attempting to cremate a community leader, and the funeral proceeded only with police protection.<ref name="autogenerated2007" /> As of 2010, cremation in Kabul is still reported as being disapproved of by locals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2010/04/14/sikhs-hindus-celebrate-kabul |title=Sikhs, Hindus celebrate in Kabul |publisher=Pajhwok Afghan News |access-date=2012-09-01 |archive-date=9 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909063404/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2010/04/14/sikhs-hindus-celebrate-kabul |url-status=live }}</ref>

Sikhs in Afghanistan continue to face problems, with the issue of the Sikh custom of cremation figuring prominently.

In September 2013, Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a legislative decree, reserving a seat in the [[National Assembly of Afghanistan]] for the Hindu and Sikh minority.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/09/04/1-wolesi-jirga-seat-reserved-hindus-sikhs|title=1 Wolesi Jirga seat reserved for Hindus, Sikhs|work=pajhwok.com|access-date=28 September 2013|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225021234/https://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/09/04/1-wolesi-jirga-seat-reserved-hindus-sikhs|url-status=live}}</ref> However this decree was blocked by the parliament. The decree eventually came into force in September 2016 when it was approved by the cabinet of Karzai's successor, [[Ashraf Ghani]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/world/afghan-government-approves-reservation-for-sikhshindus-in-parliament|title=Afghan Government Approves Reservation for Sikhs/Hindus in Parliament|website=The Wire|access-date=25 April 2019|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425141156/https://thewire.in/world/afghan-government-approves-reservation-for-sikhshindus-in-parliament|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Narendra Singh Khalsa]] was elected to this seat at the subsequent [[2018 Afghan parliamentary election|general election]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bhaumik |first1=Anirban |title=Sikh Afghan lawmaker Narender Khalsa among evacuees |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-64346303 |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

Following the deadly [[Jalalabad]] attack in June 2018, both Karzai and Ghani visited the Karte Parwan [[gurdwara]] to offer condolences. Ghani called the country's Sikh and Hindu minorities the "pride of the nation",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/jalalabad-blast-afghan-president-visits-gurdwara-promises-action-against-culprits/story-bP9QY7WpKCY6x2VlTdDRVP.html|title=Jalalabad blast: Afghan President visits gurudwara, promises action against culprits|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=25 April 2019|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705163909/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/jalalabad-blast-afghan-president-visits-gurdwara-promises-action-against-culprits/story-bP9QY7WpKCY6x2VlTdDRVP.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and on another occasion that year called them an "integral part" of Afghanistan's history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.currentriggers.com/world/afghan-hindus-sikhs-meet/|title=Afghan Hindus and Sikhs meet with President Ghani, raise issue of land grabbing|access-date=25 April 2019|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218184657/http://www.currentriggers.com/world/afghan-hindus-sikhs-meet/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The country is witnessing a severe decline in the community's population with the coming of Taliban back in power. Several members sought refuge to other countries and several others are still attempting to flee their home country. <ref>{{cite news |title=explainer-history-of-afghan-sikhs-in-afghanistan |last1=Mohan |first1=Saadhya |url=https://www.thequint.com/explainers/explainer-history-of-afghan-sikhs-in-afghanistan |access-date=30 August 2021 |publisher=The Quint}}</ref>

==Diaspora==
The population ratio between Afghan Sikhs and Hindus is estimated to be 60:40, as both populations are frequently merged in historic and contemporary estimations.<ref name="Goyal2020">{{cite web |title=Sikhs and Hindus of Afghanistan — how many remain, why they want to leave |author=Divya Goyal |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/sikhs-and-hindus-of-afghanistan-how-many-remain-why-they-want-to-leave-6524825/ |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206234502/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/sikhs-and-hindus-of-afghanistan-how-many-remain-why-they-want-to-leave-6524825/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|According to Singh, there were at least 2 lakh Sikhs and Hindus (in a 60:40 ratio) in Afghanistan until the 1970s.<ref name="Goyal2020"/>}} Combined with a wide range of population approximations in the absence of official census data, the Afghan Sikh population was estimated to be between 200,000 and 500,000 in the 1970s.<ref name="Goyal2020"/><ref name="Kumar2017A">{{cite news |title=The decline of Afghanistan's Hindu and Sikh communities |author=Ruchi Kumar |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/1/1/the-decline-of-afghanistans-hindu-and-sikh-communities |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304034538/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/1/1/the-decline-of-afghanistans-hindu-and-sikh-communities |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|“In the 70s, there were around 700,000 Hindus and Sikhs, and now they are estimated to be less than 7,000,” Shayegan says.<ref name="Kumar2017A"/>}}<ref name="tolonews2016">{{cite web |title=Nearly 99% Of Hindus, Sikhs Left Afghanistan in Last Three decades |url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/nearly-99-hindus-sikhs-left-afghanistan-last-three-decades |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603073940/https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/nearly-99-hindus-sikhs-left-afghanistan-last-three-decades |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|An investigation by TOLOnews reveals that the Sikh and Hindu population number was 220,000 in the 1980's<ref name="tolonews2016"/>}}<ref name="Friel2007">{{cite news |title=Afghanistan's hated Sikhs yearn for India |newspaper=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-life-afghan-sikhs-idUSSP13957620061124 |access-date=6 July 2021 |last1=Friel |first1=Terry |archive-date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619000705/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-life-afghan-sikhs-idUSSP13957620061124 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|In the late 1980s, there were about 500,000 Sikhs scattered across Afghanistan, many here for generations<ref name="Friel2007"/>}}<ref name="Kumar2017B"/>

In the ensuring decades, widespread emigration was common amongst religious minorities due to increased persecution by Taliban forces; by the 1990s, the Afghan Sikh population declined below 50,000.<ref name="dnaindia1"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Jethra |first=Aashish |url=http://www.sikhnet.com/news/2-sikhs-afghan-poll-fray-want-be-first-elected-non-muslims |title=2 Sikhs in Afghan poll fray, want to be first elected non-Muslims |publisher=SikhNet |access-date=2012-09-01 |archive-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204132121/http://www.sikhnet.com/news/2-sikhs-afghan-poll-fray-want-be-first-elected-non-muslims |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2013, they are around 800 families of which 300 families live in [[Kabul]].<ref name="Pajhwok">{{cite news |url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/07/31/hindus-sikhs-warn-leaving-afghanistan |title=Hindus, Sikhs warn of leaving Afghanistan |publisher=Pajhwok Afghan News |access-date=2013-09-27 |archive-date=30 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930215010/https://www.pajhwok.com/en/2013/07/31/hindus-sikhs-warn-leaving-afghanistan |url-status=live }}</ref> Sikh leaders in Afghanistan claim that the total number of Sikhs is 3,000. Many Sikh families have chosen to emigrate to other countries including, [[India]], [[North America]], the [[European Union]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Pakistan]], [[Russia]] and other places.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/facing-intolerance-many-sikhs-and-hindus-leave-afghanistan-1421124144|title=Facing Intolerance, Many Sikhs and Hindus Leave Afghanistan|last1=Stancati|first1=Margherita|last2=Amiri|first2=Ehsanullah|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|access-date=2016-03-08|archive-date=17 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117120000/https://www.wsj.com/articles/facing-intolerance-many-sikhs-and-hindus-leave-afghanistan-1421124144|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Awtar Singh]], member of the [[National Assembly of Afghanistan]]<ref name="rfi">[http://www.rfi.fr/actuen/articles/119/article_5843.asp Sikhs struggle for recognition in the Islamic republic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930190603/http://www1.rfi.fr/actuen/articles/119/article_5843.asp }}, by Tony Cross. 14 November 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bogos |first=Elissa |url=http://www.sikhnet.com/news/afghanistan-dwindling-sikh-community-struggles-endure-kabul |title=Afghanistan: Dwindling Sikh Community Struggles To Endure in Kabul |publisher=SikhNet |access-date=2012-09-01 |archive-date=13 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113033632/http://www.sikhnet.com/news/afghanistan-dwindling-sikh-community-struggles-endure-kabul |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Anarkali Kaur Honaryar]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anindianmuslim.com/2010/08/sikh-woman-man-fight-against-former.html|title=Sikh woman, man fight against former mujahideen in Aghanistan polls|access-date=2019-07-17|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202150758/http://www.anindianmuslim.com/2010/08/sikh-woman-man-fight-against-former.html|url-status=live}}</ref> member of the [[Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission]] and 2009 Radio Free Europe Afghanistan "Person of the Year"


== See also ==
* [[Punjabis in Afghanistan]]
* [[July 2018 Jalalabad suicide bombing]]
* [[Kabul gurdwara attack]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite journal |last1=Bonotto |first1=Riccardo |title=The History and Current Position of the Afghanistan's Sikh Community |journal=Iran and the Caucasus |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=154–167 |doi=10.1163/1573384X-20210205|s2cid=237915299 }}

== External links ==
* [http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/05/2009525104759111641.html Al-Jazeera report on Afghan Sikhs]
* [http://afghanhindu.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/interviews-in-the-old-city-of-kabul/ Interviews in the Old City of Kabul]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/54680/afghan-sikhs-face-threats.html The Afghan Sikhs face new threat]. ''Deccan Herald'', 12 November 2010
* [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2010/jul/06/afghanistan-sikhs-persecution Afghan Sikhs: Forgotten Victims]. ''The Guardian''; 6 July 2010
* [http://religion.info/english/articles/article_196.shtml ''Afghanistan: Sikhs rebuilding gurdwaras'']. Gurinder Randhawa - [[Indo-Asian News Service]] 25 Aug 2005
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121104000747/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-10-20/delhi/27248325_1_afghan-sikhs-gurdwaras-guru-nanak 300 more Afghan Sikhs flee, India waives visa terms]. ''[[Times of India]]'', 20 Oct 2001.
* [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0DE4D8143BF933A15752C0A9649C8B63&pagewanted=all A NATION CHALLENGED: LIFE IN KABUL; Keeping Their Faiths Under Taliban Rule Drew Sikhs and Hindus Together]. Amy Waldman, ''New York Times'', 20 January 2002
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101206025136/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2032514,00.html Pakistan: The Embattled Sikhs in Taliban Territory]

{{Asia topic|Sikhism in}}
{{Sikhism}}
{{Ethnic groups in Afghanistan}}

[[Category:Sikhism in Afghanistan| ]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Nangarhar Province]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Kandahar Province]]

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Sikhism in Afghanistan