India regularly monitors atrocities on Sikhs in Pakistan, Afghanistan: Minister

New Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has said that the government closely monitors reports of atrocities against the Sikh community in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He provided this information in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The Ministry of External Affairs was asked whether it maintains data on such incidents and what steps have been taken for the safety of Sikhs worldwide.

Singh said that atrocities against minority communities, including Sikhs, in Pakistan include harassment, intimidation, forced marriages, forced conversions, and vandalism of religious places.

He said that India urges Pakistan through diplomatic channels to fulfill its constitutional obligations toward minority communities and curb sectarian violence, religious intolerance, and discrimination.

Regarding Afghanistan, Singh highlighted the “sharp deterioration” in security since 2021, stating that under ‘Operation Devi Shakti,’ 74 members of minority communities, mostly Sikhs, were safely evacuated.

He said India remains in touch with host governments through its diplomatic missions to address the safety and welfare concerns of Sikhs and other minorities.