New Delhi: Commentators and opinion writers question the dastardly attack by the Islamic state, whereas the Akali leadership promises the passing of legislation for permanent citizenship of the Afghan Sikh community in Delhi.

Afghan Sikhs including relatives of those killed in Jalalabad on 1 July gathered in large numbers at Gurdwara Sahib Guru Arjan Dev, Mahavir Nagar in New Delhi to pay homage to those killed and to express solidarity with those with the steely nerve to still stay put in Kabul and Jalalabad for the historic Gurdwaras there.

Participating in the meet, Akali Dal Badal President Sukhbir Singh Badal said that his party will ensure passage of the legislation in the Upper House of Indian Parliament during the forthcoming monsoon session for permanent citizenship of Afghan Sikhs in Delhi and other parts of India, as it has already been passed by the Lower House.

He praised the resolve of the Afghan Sikhs to stay back in Afghanistan to protect and serve the historic Gurdwaras despite a total unfriendly environment.

 The meeting was addressed by DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK, general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi Akali Dal chief Paramjit Singh Sarna and many Afghan Sikh leaders.

 Also Read: Afghan Sikhs killed, Sikhs protest, seek answers from Muslim world

Paramjit Singh Sarna called them martyrs and he clearly said that those who killed the Afghan Sikh leaders “were not good Muslims.” Calling it the first such organised and premeditated attack, he said, “I think that some elements were upset that despite the dangerous atmosphere, they could not tolerate the Afghan Sikhs living there.” He said that Sikhs, Hindus and even Muslims who want to come to India must be allowed to come and the Indian government must facilitate this.

He urged the SGPC to set up a fund for the full rehabilitation of the Afghan Sikhs who may choose to come to Delhi.

Gajendra Singh, president of the Sikh and Hindu Welfare Council, and writer of the history of the Afghan Sikhs and the history of the Sikhs there, who has been steadfastly upholding the cause of the Afghan Sikhs also paid homage to the deceased. He mentioned that so many attempts were made earlier to kill the Sikhs or attack their Gurdwaras but they did not succeed.

 Also Read: Sikh nation rallies for Afghan Sikhs, Akalis meet envoy in Delhi

Significantly, the Afghan envoy to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali, who was also present assured the Afghan Sikh community of full cooperation.

Sadly these are distressing times for the families of those killed. They are caught in a cleft-stick not knowing what to do as the situation turns from bad to worse in most parts of Afghanistan.

In many cases the mothers, wives and sisters whose lives have been shattered are scared to go there even for the last rites of their beloved ones.

Once again, the World Sikh News joins the Sikh nation joins in prayer and deeply appreciates the mountainous resilience of Afghan Sikhs.

In a direct address to the Islamic State leadership who has claimed responsibility for killing the 17 Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan, ace commentator Swaranbir Singh in a YouTube video, has questioned their cowardly act and questioned their understanding of the tenets of Islam. He has confronted them and asked them, “Do you think that killing innocent Sikhs and Hindus takes you close to Allah? Answering the question he says, “No it takes you away from God.”

 If you like our stories, do follow WSN on Facebook.

Exasperated at the inhuman killings, he further asks, “I know the Islam which talks about doing good deeds to take an individual to heaven. I do not know which Islam are you talking about.”