Taliban Burns Sikh Holdings (Update)
The Daily Times in Pakistan reports that the Taliban has invaded households and businesses belonging to Sikhs in Samma Feroz Khel, Qasim Khel and Chirat areas of Pakistan. After failure to meet a deadline to pay *15 million rupees Jizia (Jizya), the Taliban protection tax. Three Sikh trade centers have been burnt by the Taliban and 15 Sikh families have been forced to evacuate ancestral homes and flee to Minni Khel area.
The International News reports that the Taliban militants have auctioned goods confiscated from Sikh homes and businesses.
The Man in Blue Blog reports that 11 Sikh houses have been razed to the ground, Sikh lives are in danger, and condemns this action as a terrorist tactic on the part of the Taliban.
To express your concerns write or call:
His Excellency Ambassador Husain Haqqani
Embassy of Pakistan (USA)
3517 International Court N.W
Washington D.C. 20008
Phone: 202-243-6500
Fax: 202-686-1534
info@embassyofpakistanusa.org
High Commissioner Mr Wajid Shamsul Hasan
The High Commission for Pakistan (UK)
34 - 36 Lowndes Square
London SW1X 9JN
Nadra@phclondon.org
*One US dollar is equal to about 80 PKR (Pakistan Rupees)
Reports vary from 13 million to as high as 150 million PKR demanded from Sikhs by Taliban for Jizia.
Related articles on the Sikhism Blog
Taliban Resumes Occupation of Sikh Homes
Taliban Militants Vacate Ten Occupied Sikh Homes
I just want to say something to Sukhminder. If you dont have a proper proof of what is going on there. Please do not write about it. Before you write something about Sikhs or MUslims or anyone else. You should do your research. Do not believe what MEDIA tells you. I think you are aware of that. So please do you research.. CALL THE GURUDWARA and talk to them and see what happened.. If their business were burned or NOT.
GOD IS ONE. If you dont believe that then you should know what “IK ONG KAR” means.
Dear God is ONE,
I have cited three separate sources above. If you have additional information as to whether these sources are correct or incorrect please do share them with us as we are absolutely interested in accuracy and facts.
Which gurdwara are you suggesting to call? Gurdwara Panja Sahib located in Pakistan has been housing IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) refugees. You can see pictures here of IDP’s at Gurdwara Panja Sahib:
http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-26-06-2009-00.htm
http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-06-07-2009-00.htm
http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-22-07-2009-00.htm
http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-03-08-2009-00.htm
Here is an interview on video with Kalyan singh who was kidnapped by Taliban :
http://vimeo.com/5607143
Media may not have all facts but is our source for new of what goes on in the world.
Thanks for sharing your concern