Taliban authorities focus on returning private land to Hindu and Sikh minorities
After the evacuation of religious minorities post the establishment of Taliban power in Afghanistan, comes the decision it's 'Ministry of Justice' is now taking to embrace it's religious minorities in landmark step.
In a principal decision to thaw ties between India and Afghanistan, the ‘Justice Ministry’ in Kabul has promised to restore private lands to Hindu and Sikh minorities.
These properties are described to be seized by the previous regime and now duly returned to the minorities that they had originally belonged to.
The Taliban authorities, highlighting the decades old displacement that religious minorities have faced in the country, are undertaking necessary measures to be able to restore their previous status and dignity in a symbolic change of approach towards religious diversity and historical injustices in the country.
It is imperative to understand the importance of maintaining healthy international ties in being able to establish Taliban governance in Afghanistan and ensure it’s stability. These minorities have historically been a part of Afghanistan’s demographic, constituting around 1% of the total population, but fled in a mass exodus during the late 1970s and 1980s, after the Soviet invasion. A large number of religious minorities also left Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, when President Ashraf Ghani’s government was overthrown by Taliban offensive.
In a written letter to The Hindu, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen fixed the importance of this decision on the return of Narendra Singh Khalsa, a former member of the Afghan Parliament that was dissolved after Taliban’s takeover. Narendra Singh Khalsa was among the first group to be evacuated by the Indian Air Force in 2021 and relocated to Canada after a brief stay at Delhi. Three years after the evacuation, bringing him back to Afghanistan reflect Taliban’s commitment to their statement. The Taliban are channeling all efforts towards restoring a fully inclusive and diverse society and reconciling with their early institutions.
In the same comment that Sangar Paykhar, a Dutch Afghan commentator, blamed various warlords active during 2001-2021 for seizing the properties of minority religious groups, he added: “The government’s efforts are seen as a sign of Afghanistan’s commitment to embracing its diverse population and rectifying the wrongs inflicted upon its minority communities.” He seems to consider this an optimistic sign.
Indian officials have recognised this as a positive gesture towards India but are yet to acknowledge the Taliban government in Kabul. However, there are signs that the creases in their relations are to be ironed out. This decision comes after the Joint Secretary overseeing Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran desk at the Ministry of External Affairs, J. P. Singh’s March 7 meeting with ‘Foreign Minister’ Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul.
