Afghan Parliament to have Hindu-Sikh seat

Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus
Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus

CHICAGO: From strife torn land of Afghanistan, more known to Indians as Gandhar Desh, there comes report that the Afghanistan National Assembly House of Elders (Meshrano Jirga) has decided to reserve one seat for Hindus and Sikhs in the House of People (Wolesi Jirga) in the 2015 elections.

The news is gladdening though its practical implication is difficult to judge largely because of expanding Taliban influence in the area. “But as the saying goes,” explained Madhu Patel of NRI Press Club Chicago, “something is better than nothing, as it acknowledges the presence of a substantial Hindu Sikh population in the country.” Balwinder Singh, a Sikh community leader and principal founder of Gurudwara Sahiba of Chicago, described it as “a step, though a small one but in the right direction. Let us hope for the best.”

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, observed that the Lower House of People of Afghanistan National Assembly need also to support this measure as it has to affix its seal of approval. He urged it to pass this measure as early as possible.

Rajan also urged Hindu and Sikh nationals of Afghanistan to wholeheartedly work for the development of Afghanistan. Zed urged Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai to seriously listen to other issues of minority Hindu and Sikh communities of Afghanistan and work for speedy resolution of those.

Surendra Ullal