Question Period Note: Attack on Sikh temple in Kabul

On June 18, gunmen attacked a Sikh temple (Gurdwara) in Kabul, which killed at least one worshipper and wounded seven others.

• Canada strongly condemns the Islamic State - Khorasan Province's (ISKP) attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul on June 18. Canada offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families.
• Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly denounced attacks against Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.
• Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.
• Canada will continue to work closely with allies and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Sikhs and Hindus.
• Canada is concerned by the increased presence of ISKP in Afghanistan and the growing threat it poses to the broader region. Canada continues to work with its allies to so that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorist entities.

On June 18, gunmen attacked a Sikh temple (Gurdwara) in Kabul, which killed at least one worshipper and wounded seven others. There were reportedly around 30 Sikh worshipers in the building at the time of the attack who fled from the back door. One Taliban fighter was also reportedly killed as Taliban forces took control of the area. The Islamic State - Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was in response to alleged insults made against the Prophet Mohammad, by an Indian government official. The attack has widely been condemned, with the Indian government announcing that it has granted emergency visas to 111 Hindus and Sikhs to help them leave Afghanistan. The number of Sikhs and Hindus living in Afghanistan has reportedly decreased to less than 200. The community has faced repeated attacks over the past few years. In March 2020, an ISKP-claimed attack on another Sikh temple in Kabul killed at least 25 Sikhs.

The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating and becoming more complex. Daesh regional affiliate, Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP), has increased its footprint across the country and region. In April and May 2022, ISKP was responsible for a wave of attacks targeting the religious minorities.

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