Kabul: At Least 11 Dead In Terror Attack On Sikh Place Of Worship

At least eleven people have been killed after suspected suicide attackers stormed a religious gathering at a Gurudwara in the heart of Kabul, reports Washington Post.

The terror attack targeted a ‘dharamshala’ in Shor Bazar area of Kabul, which has a sizeable population of the Hindu and Sikh minorities. The attack began at 7.45 am Afghan time. Shor Bazar area of Kabul was once home to several gurdwaras but they were destroyed during the fighting in the 1980s.

According to reports, suicide bombers too were part of the attacking group. The attack began at around 7.45 AM today (25 March), the police soon reached the Gurudwara and an exchange of firing was underway.

Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said in a message to journalists, "People are stuck inside the building and security forces are trying to rescue them."

Sikh minority parliamentarian Narindra Singh Khalsa, said he was close to the Gurdwara when the attack happened and added that, "the gunmen started their attack at a time when the Dharamsala was full of worshippers."

As of now, no group has taken any responsibility for the attack.

Last month, Islamic State terrorists, attacked a gathering of minority Shiite Muslims in Kabul, resulting in the death of 32 people.

During the Taliban rule, Sikhs were asked to wear yellow armbands reminiscence of what the Nazi's did with the Jews. Over the years many Sikhs and Hindus have fled the country and sought asylum in India.

Afghan security forces have reportedely cleared the first floor of the Sikh place of worship and rescued a “number of people” who were trapped inside the building, Arian said.