Afghan Hindu-Sikh body in e-visa plea to Indian PM Modi

Afghan Hindu and Sikh Association in Dubai United Arab Emirates has written to the government seeking e-visas for India, and thanked India's efforts in helping the distressed Afghan minorities in the Taliban-led nation.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kartar Singh and Goshi Chand of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh Association UAE, said, "At the outset, we thank the Government of India for undertaking proactive steps for the welfare of Afghanistan and in particular for the minorities living there."

The letter further mentioned that the Afghan national Hindus and Sikhs living in the United Arab Emirates have wide International travel history including long-term visas for India too.

But after the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year, all the valid visas issued by the consulate in Dubai were invalidated overnight.

Meanwhile, a special flight carrying 55 Afghan Sikh minorities fleeing from Afghanistan arrived in India at New Delhi airport on September 25, as a part of efforts to evacuate the distressed minorities in the Taliban-led nation.

International President of World Punjabi Organisation and Punjab Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Vikramjit Singh Sahney received the Afghan refugees who arrived at the Indira Gandhi Airport on September 26. A special flight operated by Ariana Afghan with a number 315 was organised by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee, Amritsar in coordination with the Indian World Forum and the Government of India to evacuate these Afghan minorities.

"The 55 families which were stranded in Kabul, Jalalabad have arrived safely in Delhi today. I am thankful to the Indian government to facilitate e-visas. We will rehabilitate them in the "My family My responsibility" programme." Punjab MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney said.

(ANI)