Similar has been the fate of most Afghan refugee families. Losses trickled down to lay-offs and many members of the community went without even the paltry assured income. “The situation in Afghanistan has continued to worsen. Thinking of going back means accepting death. Yet, this thought continues to cross our minds — not just because it is home, but because of what Delhi has given us,” says Harpreet.
In 2000, we sought asylum from the Afghan civil war by migrating to the UK. We arrived at an unfamiliar country with a language, customs and a cuisine that was alien to us. Naturally we gravitated to pockets of the country where other Afghan Sikhs has made a similar journey, in an attempt to retain a sense of safety and community.
The government decided that Afghan Hindus and Sikhs who had applied for long-term visas to India would be given priority visas and the opportunity to apply for long-term residency once they arrived in India..
Following terror attack on a gurdwara in Kabul, Sikhs and Hindus have been urging the Indian government for evacuation. A look-back at the history of these minorities in Afghanistan.
He spoke to this reporter in Punjabi and the first question put to him was how come he adopted Sikhism so perfectly in just 5 years when it takes many people a lifetime.