India 'strongly' condemns Sikh leader's abduction in Afghanistan
New Delhi/IBNS: India on Monday strongly condemned the abduction of Sikh community leader Nedan Singh in Paktia of Afghanistan by terrorists.
"We strongly condemn the abduction of Mr. Nedan Singh, a leader of the Hindu and Sikh Community of Afghanistan, by terrorists," Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a statement.
He said the targeting and persecution of the minority community members by terrorists at the behest of their external supporters is a 'matter of grave concern.'
"India is in touch with the Government of Afghanistan for ensuring safety , security and well being of the minority community in Afghanistan. We hope that the Government of Afghanistan would be able to secure safe and early release of Mr Nedan Singh," he said.
According to reports, Singh hails from Tsamkani district in the Paktia province and was employed as a gursewak (helper) at the local gurdwara.
Post his abduction, the Afghan Sikh community in the United States has urged the Government of India to help in the resettlement of Sikhs living in Afghanistan, media reports said.
The community also urged the Indian government to make special arrangements under the Vande Bharat Mission to provide a safe haven for more than 600 Sikhs.
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