The representative of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs in the United Kingdom has condemned recent remarks by Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, calling them deeply offensive and alarming for religious minorities.
In an interview with Afghanistan International, Harbans Singh expressed concern over the timing of the statement, which comes just ahead of Vaisakhi, a major religious festival for Sikhs and Hindus.
Khalid Hanafi reportedly declared that non-Muslims, including Hindus and Sikhs, are “worse than animals.” Singh responded, stating:
“No one has the right to insult other religions. Such rhetoric only deepens the fears of the already vulnerable minority communities in Afghanistan.”
Singh warned that with such hostile positions, the few remaining Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan may be compelled to leave the country entirely.
Khalid Hanafi is known as one of the most hardline figures in the Taliban leadership and has played a central role in enforcing the group’s repressive decrees, particularly those targeting women and girls.
In a previous speech, Hanafi claimed that God has made Muslims distinct and superior due to their commitment to the principle of promoting virtue and preventing vice.
