Sikhs And Hindus Flee Afghanistan As NATO Pulls Back

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Modi Government Grants Citizenship to Afghan and Pakistani Sikhs and Sindhis; Gujarati Sikhs Still Face Discrimination

Source: Sikh24.com

NEW DELHI (November 18, 2014)—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Indian citizenship for 11,000 Sindhis and Sikhs who had migrated from Pakistan and Afghanistan prior to December 31, 2009.  These people had migrated to India in order to escape ongoing oppression due to the unrest in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.

A majority of these immigrants had been living in Afghanistan and Pakistan, however due to war and terrorism over the last decade or so, they were forced to leave their homes and travel through unsafe routes to reach India. In the past, along with targeted killings of Sikhs and Sindhi Hindus, terrorists have also targeted their business and places of worship.

In addition to granting citizenship to these immigrants, the government of India has also relaxed the procedures for the process of granting them Indian citizenship.  Notably, the term of residency required in India before citizenship can be required has been cut short to less than three years, as compared to 7 years.

Rajnath Singh approved the proposal for manual acceptance of applications for granting Indian citizenship to minority community nationals of Pakistan and Afghanistan, who entered India prior to December 31, 2009.

Before being elected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has promised to grant citizenship to Afghan and Pakistani Sikhs and Hindus.  His move to fulfill his promise has been appreciated largely.  However, while the Indian Government is taking steps to provide a safe haven to migrants, a large number of Sikhs in Gujarat and other parts of the country who had left Punjab to settle there are still facing discrimination at a large scale.  These Sikhs have had their farming land confiscated as local State Governments are refusing to accept their residency.

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Ealing’s Afghan Hindus to throw Diwali Fete this weekend

Source: GetWestLondon

Afghan Hindus in Ealing will be holding their annual Diwali Fete this weekend, celebrating the sixth anniversary of the charity.

The event will be held on November 8 at the Asamai Community Centre, Johnson street, Southall.

This is an annual event that the Asamai youth committee holds for its members with more than 300 people expected to attend.

Last year’s Afghan Hindu Diwali Fete at the Asamai Community Centre Southall

Proud member, Komal Supra said: “Afghan Hindus migrated to England about 15-20 years ago. Hindus in Afghanistan have always been the minority group and remain in a minority in England too. However we are a very hard-working, determined and obedient minority group within the UK. Every single Afghan Hindu family is registered with the Asamai cultural trust that runs the Asamai community centre.

“Many youths, adults and older generations are involved with the trust and regularly attend all the events and help out with day to day activities. None of these members get paid for their help. The trust also holds free Hindi classes every Sunday for the members. The teachers are also volunteers.

“The fete is a wonderful celebration of how everyone works hard to come together. The fete will include activities for the whole family. We have stage performances by kids from our Hindi classes, free food stalls for members, a games stall, raffle draw and many more attractions to keep visitors entertained. I am very proud to say I am a member of the Asamai Cultural Trust and active member of AsaMai Youth Committee.”

Asamai Cultural Trust is a registered charity formed and run by Hindus from Afghanistan who live in the UK. The Trust was formed in 2008 to give help and support to all Hindus from Afghanistan adjusting to their new lives in Britain.

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