SGPC urges MEA to facilitate visit to Afghanistan

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote to MEA that it is equally important to ascertain the condition of historical places in Afghanistan and their required renovation and maintenance

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has urged the Centre to facilitate the visit of a delegation of the top gurdwara committee to Afghanistan in July to ascertain the situation of the Sikh community in the war-ravaged country.

SGPC urges MEA to facilitate visit to Afghanistan (HT Photo)

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a letter to Union minister of external affairs S Jaishankar, said the SGPC intends to send a delegation to Afghanistan in July to hold talks with Sikh leaders and local government officials there about the safety of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.

Dhami said that it is equally important to ascertain the condition of historical places in Afghanistan and their required renovation and maintenance.

In his letter, Dhami said that the SGPC also wanted to take care of the Sikh heritage and shrines in Afghanistan and was ready to send aid for the people affected due to the recent earthquake there.

Dhami said the Indian government has made great efforts to bring Afghan Sikhs and Hindus to India from Afghanistan in times of crisis, as a responsible Sikh body, the SGPC also has a duty to help the community in Afghanistan and take care of Sikh shrines there.